And they lived long and troubled. It must be admitted that Disney Aladdin is in our country, if not the most, then one of the most recognizable and beloved Disney characters. In many ways, this is due, of course, to the fact that most Russian-speaking residents began their acquaintance with the creations of the Disney studio. Someone watched the legendary animated series 1994-1995., someone himself cartoon 1992. and its sequel 1994. someone played the game of the same name on Dandy. But it seems to me that few people know that the story of Aladdin also has a triquel, released in 1996. - "Aladdin and the king of robbers" (actually in the original "king of thieves", but come on). What can you say about the last part of the adventures of a street thief? It's still good.
The third part takes place after the events of the animated series. Saving Agrab from everything possible, Aladdin decides to propose to Jasmine. It seems that everything is fine, a rich wedding is planned, but it is very inconvenient that on this day Agrab decides to visit forty robbers led by his leader Qasim to steal a certain “oracle” in order to find an artifact “Midas hand”, capable of turning everything into gold, which it touches. By the way, the name of the hand refers to the legendary king Midas, who had such an opportunity and died of starvation. Oh yes, and Aladdin will meet with his father.
Although I said that the cartoon is generally good, I have to admit one drawback: animation. No, she is not poor here, as, for example, in The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2, Lady and Tramp 2, 101 Dalmatians 2, etc. The drawing here is still beautiful and well conveys the Arabic-desert flavor, but it has become somewhat flatter and dull. All the characters, including Aladdin and Jasmine, somehow now have dark skin, although previously they were always light. I don’t know why, maybe in the break between the animated series and this cartoon, in Agrab opened a solarium. But this brownness makes the cartoon as a whole darker.
Otherwise, the cartoon is still fun and adventure. There's a bunch of chases, fights, Arabian parkour, magic and everything else that we love Aladdin for. Our hero will have to repel the raid of robbers, find their lair, fight the evil “gray cardinal” Karima, to get the same “hand Midas” and of course everyone has different impressions, but I was interested in watching all this.
There are also a lot of songs in the animated film, although it is worth admitting that they are not particularly memorable, even in comparison with the songs "Return of Jafar", what to say about the original. I must say that in the cartoon again sounds a new version of the “Arab night”. In each work about Aladdin, a new song is created with new words: in the first cartoon in 1992; in The Return of Jafar; in the animated series; in this cartoon; even in the remake of 2019. there was its own version. And each one sounds amazing, that's what a great song means.
About the characters. Aladdin, Jasmine, Sultan, Iago and other old acquaintances have not changed in character. It is worth noting that the parrot Iago, in my opinion, the most interesting character of the entire franchise. Yes, he's narcissistic, arrogant, narcissistic and more of an antihero than a positive character, but that's why he's interesting. Besides, you always enjoy his wits. It seems to me that if Iago existed in reality, he would host some satirical show.
It is also worth noting that in this cartoon Ginny is a record many reincarnated: in ding-ding, Einstein, Goofy, Sherlock Holmes, call center operator, etc. It seems to me that it was after this cartoon that the fan theory arose that the events of Aladdin take place in the distant future and that is why Ginny is aware of modern popular culture. Most importantly, it's all fun. It really bothered me that in the beginning Ginny mentions that Aladdin saved Agraba from Jafar, but if the third part takes place after the animated series, then why does he not remember all the other villains?
As for Alladdin’s father and the leader of the robbers Qasim (who looks like a young Sean Connery), in fact, nothing is such a character. Since he is the father of Aladdin, he is as agile, fast and cunning. But he is not lost against the background of his son, and together they form a harmonious duo.
Conclusion. "Aladdin and the King of Thieves" is a cartoon that certainly could not get close to the splendor of the original, but in its own way it is good. It is dynamic, interesting and logically completes the story of Aladdin. Of course, there is a hint of continuation, but they will never be and the reason lies in Robin Williams.
If you don’t know the story, Robin Williams, who voiced Jinn, at the time asked not to use his image for advertising purposes. Disney broke this condition, and Williams freaked out and left. That’s why Dan Castallanet voiced Jinnah in Return of Jafar and the series. For the third part, Williams agreed to return, but set an important condition of the contract – his image and even the character of the Jinn can no longer be used anywhere. And even Williams' death in 2014 did not end that contract. I would personally condemn such an act, but that is why after the third part of the sequels of Aladdin we do not shine. On the other hand, it may not be necessary to milk a good franchise.
8 out of 10