Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

The Return Of Jafar is the second in the Aladdin series. Jafar has returned as a genie, but with the limitations of one - he can't kill and he can't leave the lamp. So instead, he uses the bumbling thief Abys Mal to arrange Aladdin's downfall. Meanwhile, Iago, Jafar's wisecracking sidekick, is trying to work his way back into power, using Aladdin's good heart as a lever into the palace.

While trying to prove that he's not a bad guy, Iago accidently saves Aladdin from Abys Mal. Once he is inside the palace, he is discovered by Jasmine, who is naturally annoyed at Aladdin for keeping him a secret. Iago is persuaded by the returned Genie to help them make up, and now he is friends with the palace residents.

But when Jafar returns to the palace, intent on destroying Aladdin, Iago is forced to choose between his own interests and the safety of his new friends - the first people to ever look out for him.

Finally, in a climatic ending, just when things are at their worst, Iago makes his choice, saving Aladdin, Jasmine, Abu and Genie from otherwise certain death in a molten lava pit, and proving in the process that it is possible for people to change, and friendship is a powerful thing.

What was hinted at in Aladdin is confirmed in TROJ - try as he might to cover it up with arrogance and selfishness, Iago actually has a very low opinion of himself. Throughout the film it steadily gets lower, finally reaching it's ebb when Iago is forced by Jafar to trick Aladdin into an ambush, and he shows a disturbingly obvious self-hatred.

Gilbert Gotfried as Iago was the only main voice to return. Robin Williams didn't return as the voice of Genie, and it showed. But the singing voices of Aladdin and Jasmine returned, even if their speaking voices didn't.

TROJ was never going to live up to the beauty of Aladdin. But the most notable songs 'I'm Looking Out For Me' and 'Forget About Love' were well performed, and the story held its own, with a magnificent ending.

Finally, a definite warning for parents - TROJ is much darker than Aladdin, with more fear, violence and danger throughout, as well as a darker animation style using more reds and blacks. It's not a movie that young children should watch alone.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older