TV Review: Aladdin
Rate This Article
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that although this show often runs as
part of Disney's "Princess Power Hour," Jasmine's power seems
generally limited to stomping her pretty foot, batting her long
eyelashes, and invoking the name of her father, the Sultan, to
keep people in line. Although she joins in fights when
necessary, it's always Aladdin who thinks of a way out, while
she loyally supports his ability to do so.
Families can discuss the different characters and myths found in the Arabian setting. What's an oasis? What's a mirage? What is Genie supposed to be able to do for Aladdin that he often can't achieve? Does Aladdin really need Genie's magic after all?
Common Sense Media Review
In its TV incarnation, ALADDIN continues the adventures of
Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. Based on
the
movie and including many of the same characters, the series
picks up where the direct-to-video movie
The
Return of Jafar
ended.
The animation is good, the adventures exciting, and the characters (many voiced by the same actors from the movies, with Dan Castellaneta of The Simpsons taking over from Robin Williams as Genie). Each story includes a nominal lesson -- usually that Aladdin must believe in himself, shouldn't give up, or doesn't really need Genie's help -- but it's primarily an adventure series.
Aladdin airs as part of Disney's "Princess Power Hour" line-up, but one problem with the show is actually that Jasmine is rarely a particularly powerful princess. She's more likely to coo "Oh, Aladdin, you can do it" than to get them out of trouble herself, and she's prone to relying on her father's name to control people. She had a stronger role and personality in the movie but is given less to do here.
Kids who enjoy the show may also like the original movie and the other sequel, Aladdin and the King of Thieves.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
