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 #35 | 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:

bathing | glass of water | rapping | wrecking ball | mother son relationship | 

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

This movie is part of the false memory phenomenon (also called the "Mandela Effect"). According to many people, there was a movie named "Shazaam" starring Sinbad as the genie. This false memory was probably caused by a mix-up with this film and a costume Sinbad wore in 1994 when he hosted a TV broadcast of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977). For April Fools' Day 2017, the team of CollegeHumor Originals (2006) filmed a skit about alleged VHS footage of the Shazaam movie, with Sinbad starring as the genie.

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Goofs

There is an inconsistency around the age of Kazaam, with his origin song suggesting he became a genie in 1000 BC, making him about 3000 years old. But he says numerous times in the end he is 5000 years old.

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Quotes

Kazaam: Don't get all hysterical! Say thank you for your miracle!

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Crazy Credits

Film title logo appears as the end credits are finished

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Connections

Referenced in Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris: Shaquille O'Neal (2015)

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Soundtracks

I Am Kazaam
Performed by Shaquille O'Neal

User Reviews

This moved me.. to the next theater

i def. would NOT consider this a movie.. in fact i'd like to forget that this "thing" was ever created, but it's hard to. This "movie" was more of a torture device, kind of like the chinese water torture and such. there are 2 good things about this "movie" though.. the kid's snaggletooth was hilarious and whenever it's on disney, i turn it on and fall asleep to it.. works better than nyquil.. overall: my wish would be that this disgrace was never ever ever made.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 July 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Kazaam

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,001,588, 21 July 1996

Gross USA:

$18,937,262

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$18,937,262

Company Credits

Production Co:

Interscope Communications, Polygram Filmed Entertainment, Touchstone Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1