Disney's Aladdin was one of the most successful and vibrant films of the 90s. It was one of those special films of the Disney Renaissance that seemed to hit the magic formula perfectly. From its casting to its reception by both fans and critics alike, Aladdin was indeed the diamond in the rough.
As charming and successful as the film was, to say that it wasn't a product of its time would be entirely untrue. Loaded to the brim with Disney-fied cliche's, dated cultural references, and more than a few caricatured cultural depictions, the film is far from perfect. It's still beloved, but it's not without a few flaws.
Dated: The Exaggerated/Askew Fairytale Aspect
Before titles like Shrek, Ella Enchanted, and Penelope were ever put to paper, Aladdin broke new ground in the fairytale subgenre. In their own way, Disney poked fun at the fairytale mold that they themselves had created and crafted. They upped the adventure, the comedy, and the self-awareness.
But now that these types of films practically litter the landscape, the concept is a bit of an old hat. The studio themselves is even guilty of rehashing old ideas.
Timeless: Classic Disney Storyline
With the previous point in mind, Aladdin still checks all the boxes for what's considered an iconic Disney film. As Belle put it in Beauty and the Beast, which came out a year before Aladdin, "Far off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, [and] a prince in disguise" are all one really needs in a good story.
Even with its own live-action remake, the animated adaptation is still considered the gold standard. Although other films would join it in the ranks, there is still only one Arabian Night.
Dated: Certain Lyrics
"Where they cut off your ear if they don't like your face" was a lyric cut from the original release of "Arabian Nights" when the film first hit the theatres. An understandable decision, but one that would be repeated, years later.
Using the remake as evidence, some of the lyrics in the final film were changed due to cultural updating. Songs like "Prince Ali" and "Arabian Nights" feature certain lines that probably wouldn't sit well with audiences today.
Timeless: The Humor
Aladdin is not only one of the most timeless of the Disney Renaissance, but it's also perhaps the funniest.
Granted, a lot of humor in this film comes from the legendary Robin Williams, but the film is also rife with visual gags, comedic song lyrics, and clever winks and nods to the audience. Not to mention, the animation was fluid and paired with these comedic elements perfectly.
Dated: Iago
Oh, Gilbert Gottfried ... where would the movie be without that voice. Joking aside, there's only so much of this angry bird some fans can take. Not only that, but isn't one animal sidekick enough for a movie?
At least Abu was confident enough to assist Aladdin in his endeavors, all Iago seems to do is squawk, complain, and bungle up Jafar's plans. If it weren't for his redemptive ark in the sequels, would he really be all that crucial?
Timeless: Musical Elements
Following in the footsteps of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin not only feels like a solid Disney film, but a stupendous stage musical, as well, granted, in animated form.
What else can you expect when you have the phenomenal Alan Menken doing the film's score? From "Arabian Nights" to
"A Whole New World," there's not a song on the soundtrack that isn't memorable.
Dated: The Genie’s Pop Culture References
The Genie is, without a doubt, the most popular character from the film, thanks to an electrifying and manic performance by the late great, Robin Williams. Be that as it may, many of The Genie's lines are still stuck in the 90s.
While Williams' funny voices and over-the-top animated antics will always be timeless, his impressions of characters like Arsenio Hall, Ed Sullivan, and other celebrities of the time might be lost on some viewers.
Timeless: Robin Williams’ Performance
If there's one thing this film did perfect, it was to cast Robin Williams as The Genie. Next to characters like Mrs. Doubtfire, Adrian Cronauer, and Hunter Parrish, The Genie is the role Williams will be forever known for.
Inspired by the actor's own animated personality, Disney animator, Eric Goldberg, helped Robin Williams achieve his true cartoon potential in the creation of this iconic character. We never had a friend like him.
Dated: Certain Cultural Depictions
When it comes to faux pas, Disney tends to have somewhat of a history in the cultural sensitivity department. It's not that the film is blatantly racist, but some of the characters tend to have certain stereotypical features.
Many of the citizens of Agrabah are depicted as, in lack of better words, cartoonish versions of Arabian characters. With turbans, scimitars, and belly dancing attire, things aren't exactly painted in the most accurate of light.
Timeless: Pure Unfiltered Disney
Aladdin, with all its flaws and shortcomings, is a classic Disney movie. It has a famous fairytale narrative, a catchy soundtrack, a daring hero, an evil villain, a beautiful princess, and one of their most adventurous outings since Sleeping Beauty.
Is it perfect? No, but it's a product of its era, and in a crazy way, that's what makes it so timeless. Like so many things, it is not what is on the outside, but what's on the inside that counts.