Kazaam (1996)

A troubled kid inadvertently releases a genie, who must grant him any three wishes he requests.

Director:

Paul Michael Glaser (as Paul M. Glaser)

Writers:

Paul Michael Glaser (story) (as Paul M. Glaser), Christian Ford (screenplay)

Stars:

Shaquille O'Neal, Francis Capra, Ally Walker

Bottom Rated Movies #30 | 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Shaquille O'Neal	...	Kazaam
Francis Capra	...	Maxwell 'Max' Connor
Ally Walker	...	Alice Connor
James Acheson	...	Nick
John Costelloe	...	Travis
Marshall Manesh	...	Malik
Fawn Reed	...	Asia Moon
Mother Love	...	Mrs. Duke (as JoAnne Hart)
Brandon Durand	...	Vasquez
Wade Robson	...	Elito (as Wade J. Robson)
Jake Glaser	...	Jake
Efren Ramirez	...	Carlos
Jonathan Carrasco	...	Z-Dog
Jesse Perez	...	Vasquez's Sidekick
Todd Sible	...	Engineer Ed

Storyline

Being a lone young boy in the 'hood" is dangerous and unpleasant. This is what Max experiences when he fools a gang of local toughs who cornered him at school. The gang finds out that the key he gave them is of no value in committing a robbery, and they chase him through the streets of his neighborhood, bent on revenge. He tries to escape by slipping into the open door of an old warehouse, but they follow him there, too. While running from them through aisles filled with all kinds of stuff, he bumps into an old boom box. By doing that, he manages to release Kazaam, a genie who has been held captive for thousands of years. In order to stay free, Kazaam must give Max three wishes.

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Plot Keywords:

rapping | boy | nightclub | warehouse | boom box | 

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Taglines:

He's A Rappin' Genie With An Attitude... And He's Ready For Slam-Dunk Fun!

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Genres:

Comedy | Family | Fantasy | Musical

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for action violence and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 July 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Kazaam - Der Geist aus der Flasche

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,131,000, 21 July 1996, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$18,876,581, 3 November 1996

Company Credits

Production Co:

Interscope Communications, Isobel Griffiths Limited, Polygram Filmed Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Shaquille O'Neal is well known for his basketball career.

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Goofs

When Kazaam is singing the song "We genie" with Max, if you look closely, when he raps the part, "...and we was in Hades 'cause we moved with the Harem of the Prince of Akabrem..." His mouth is still moving for that split second after he finishes the line, but before they show Max's Face.

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Quotes

Kazaam: [while rapping] Let's green egg and ham it!

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Connections

Referenced in Rap Critic Reviews: Shaq Diesel (Album) (2011)

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Soundtracks

I Am Kazaam
Performed by Shaquille O'Neal

User Reviews

All hail Shaq.

The movie Kazaam featuring the multi-talented Shaquille O'Neal should be the standard which all movies are held to. Since originally viewing this wonderful work of cinema 15 years ago, I can say it has definitely held up to the test of time. I've yet to see a movie that even comes close to achieving the depth of character, raw emotion, and beauty that Kazaam portrays. Shaq is definitely a triple threat -- basketball, acting, and singing, what's next!? I can't wait to see more from this truly awe-inspiring man. This film has definitely slid under the radar of Hollywood critics, which I see as a blessing. I'd hate for this movie to get wildly popular and lose its innocence. Once I have children of my own, this will be one of the few movies I allow them to watch since it preaches such good morals & values. If you're debating whether to watch this film or not -- DO IT! Your life will never be the same in the best way possible.