Aladdin and the King of Thieves
Year: 1996
Directed by: Tad Stones
Starring: Linda Larkin, John Rhys-Davies, Scott Weigner & Robin Williams
Runtime: 81 mins
BBFC: U
Published: 31/01/22
Directed by: Tad Stones
Starring: Linda Larkin, John Rhys-Davies, Scott Weigner & Robin Williams
Runtime: 81 mins
BBFC: U
Published: 31/01/22
Following the incredible financial success of Disney’s first foray into home video sequels, Return of Jafar, a sequel to that was definitely on the cards. But the poor critical reception that Return of Jafar received would be working against Disney when going into the next project, so drastic improvements were needed, and they needed a certain comedian on their good side to ensure that.
Following their defeat of Jafar, Aladdin (Scott Weinger) and Jasmine (Linda Larkin) prepare for their marriage. However, when the reception is raided by the notorious criminal gang, the Forty Thieves, Aladdin learns that his father is still alive, only problem is his father is Cassim (John Rhys-Davies), King of Thieves and leader of the gang who ruined his wedding. Aladdin must choose whether he wants to reconnect with his criminal father or marry Jasmine and stay in Agrabah for the rest of his life.
Following their defeat of Jafar, Aladdin (Scott Weinger) and Jasmine (Linda Larkin) prepare for their marriage. However, when the reception is raided by the notorious criminal gang, the Forty Thieves, Aladdin learns that his father is still alive, only problem is his father is Cassim (John Rhys-Davies), King of Thieves and leader of the gang who ruined his wedding. Aladdin must choose whether he wants to reconnect with his criminal father or marry Jasmine and stay in Agrabah for the rest of his life.
Aladdin and the King of Thieves may lack the same production values as the original 1992 Disney Classic, but it is a significant improvement over its predecessor, Return of Jafar. The story this time around is much more interesting and plays into themes from the first film such as Aladdin’s family (or lack thereof), and his struggle to find somewhere where he belongs. Cassim is also an interesting character because he is so similar to Aladdin, but he represents what will become of Aladdin should he choose to follow the same path.
Cassim is in search of a treasure known as the Hand of Midas, an object that will turn whatever it touches to gold. The inclusion of this artefact and the strained father/son dynamic between Cassim and Aladdin makes the film very reminiscent of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade…although a much lower budget, straight to VHS animated version.
Some of my biggest issues with Return of Jafar stemmed from the look and sound of the film. Whilst King of Thieves doesn’t change too much (as much like Return of Jafar it acts as the conclusion to that series of the TV show), there is a noticeable improvement all around.
Character models look more in line with the 1992 film, environments are considerably more detailed and densely populated, and the voice performances from the cast are generally all good. I feel like Weinger is the worst performer in this film, but it never reaches the same catastrophic lows as Larkin’s performance in Return of Jafar.
Robin Williams also returns as Genie having kissed and made up with the Disney executives, and his particular brand of improvised comedy is what makes Aladdin so incredible to begin with. His inclusion gives King of Thieves a great deal of life and he is by far the star of the show.
There aren’t any songs of particular note. Whilst there are songs present, they’re pretty forgettable, but at least they aren’t criminally bad like the ones from Return of Jafar.
King of Thieves is a generally fun kids film. It does build on the original 1992 film in interesting ways and whilst it may lack that films higher production values, it gets by on the budget it has. It’s not going to wow anyone, but for a straight to VHS Disney film its reasonably good. You could certainly do worse, and you may even enjoy it enough to re-watch it whenever you finish Aladdin.
Cassim is in search of a treasure known as the Hand of Midas, an object that will turn whatever it touches to gold. The inclusion of this artefact and the strained father/son dynamic between Cassim and Aladdin makes the film very reminiscent of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade…although a much lower budget, straight to VHS animated version.
Some of my biggest issues with Return of Jafar stemmed from the look and sound of the film. Whilst King of Thieves doesn’t change too much (as much like Return of Jafar it acts as the conclusion to that series of the TV show), there is a noticeable improvement all around.
Character models look more in line with the 1992 film, environments are considerably more detailed and densely populated, and the voice performances from the cast are generally all good. I feel like Weinger is the worst performer in this film, but it never reaches the same catastrophic lows as Larkin’s performance in Return of Jafar.
Robin Williams also returns as Genie having kissed and made up with the Disney executives, and his particular brand of improvised comedy is what makes Aladdin so incredible to begin with. His inclusion gives King of Thieves a great deal of life and he is by far the star of the show.
There aren’t any songs of particular note. Whilst there are songs present, they’re pretty forgettable, but at least they aren’t criminally bad like the ones from Return of Jafar.
King of Thieves is a generally fun kids film. It does build on the original 1992 film in interesting ways and whilst it may lack that films higher production values, it gets by on the budget it has. It’s not going to wow anyone, but for a straight to VHS Disney film its reasonably good. You could certainly do worse, and you may even enjoy it enough to re-watch it whenever you finish Aladdin.