Aladdin and the King of Thieves

Aladdin’s second and final direct to video sequel was released August 13, 1996. Aladdin and the King of Thieves served as a finale to the series. As with the series, all the voice actors came back. However, Robin Williams came back to replace Dan Castellaneta as the voice of Genie with John Rhys-Davies and Jerry Orbach providing new voices. It grossed $186 million, making it the fourth-highest-grossing direct to video animated feature of all time.

Aladdin and Jasmine are about to be married and everyone is overjoyed. But Aladdin is saddened by the fact that his family can’t be present as his mother died a long time ago and his father left his family. Meanwhile, the forty thieves raids the ceremony and try to steal the valuables. They are fought off and the heroes discover they were after an oracle that will tell anyone the truth of a single question. Aladdin discovers that his father (Rhys-Davies) has been trapped in their world and he goes to find him.

This was a good way to draw the series to a close. The animation is better than Return of Jafar and having Aladdin and Jasmine get married gives some good closure.

Though Aladdin never mentioned his past before, he didn’t really have a need to. Only because he was getting married did he wish his mother and father could be there, so it was naturally brought up. And the Oracle is good at wording things to make her answer a little misleading.

Cassim also isn’t as static as he seems. He ends the film somewhat changed. Although he goes back to wandering, raiding and whatnot, he’s more understanding of what his actions caused and is willing to take greater risks, like when he shows his face at Aladdin’s real wedding. If this wasn’t the last film, he might have turned over a new leaf completely.

And it’s interesting how Iago decides to leave. While he’s portrayed as the greedy treasure hunter, it shows he’s not content to live in a life of luxury handed to him. He’d rather go find it.

Unfortunately, while Robin Williams returns, most of his jokes fall flat. There’s a few that are funny, like the time he turns into Mrs. Doubtfire, but they didn’t really match what he was able to do in the first movie.

Songs are good though. #30, but does pass the edge of satisfaction.