Review of The Return of Jafar (1994) by Russell G — 14 Aug 2015
It feels like a Saturday morning cartoon made for television. It feels like that, because it is three-episodes of a television show or a special three-part TV featurette. Instead of airing, Disney thought it could stand on its own as a straight to video effort.
This is all about perspective. It is disappointing, short and stale as a movie, but fine as the start of a television show. You can feel where the commercials would be. It lacks the polish of the second Aladdin adventure, which was not bad.
There is an obligated retreating of the first movie that a TV show would needs but not a movie. Why does Jafar need to return? The second movie wrapped him up nicely. If this were a true movie, I would rather see the familiar heroes facing a new foe.
As a television show, Jafar needs to be in there. It is such a strange dichotomy. There is no return of Robin Williams as the Genie, which is disappointing. That could have injected some needed life into this as a standalone feature film.
One thing I do like about it is the increased emphasis on the sarcasm and loudmouth humor of Iago. Overall, it is not bad but not special. It is apparent that this is a long Saturday morning cartoon. Taken for what it is, it is reasonably enjoyable for kids.
This review of The Return of Jafar (1994) was written by Russell G on 14 Aug 2015.
The Return of Jafar has generally received mixed reviews.
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