Genie, the feisty, foul-mouthed, blue-skinned spirit from Disney’s Aladdin, made a lasting impression on generations of children. Now, the movie that introduced the world to him is getting a live-action remake with Will Smith in the lead role. With Smith in the mix, plus a bevy of other recognizable names, it’s no wonder that fans are eager to see what happens next.
In 1970, a quiet residential street in Temple City, California, yielded a feral child so completely devoid of social skills that she evoked such cases as the wild wolf-child of Germany in 14th century, Victor of Aveyron, a boy reared by bears in Lithuania in 1661 and the wolf-child of Hungary in 1710. The waif who emerged from Wiley’s home enchanted many people—including scientists, especially linguists. Could she learn to speak and to engage with the world around her?
Susan Curtiss, a young psychologist just beginning her career, began working with Genie. She recalled that she had a bunny walk and other almost inhuman characteristics, and was constantly spatting, sniffing and clawing. Genie did make noises, however, and seemed to enjoy the company of hospital cooks, orderlies and other staffers. She learned to communicate, although grammar, forming words into sentences, proved beyond her. She was not, as some had feared, trapped by an unbreakable spell, but she would never develop into a normal human being.
Williams’ more-is-more sensibility perfectly suited the spirit of Genie, and the animators have a blast realizing his goofy flights of comedic fancy. The result is a film that’s as entertaining to adults as it is for kids.
Forever Genie is not just about the Genie character—it’s also about the broader issue of how the Arab world is depicted in American media and culture. And while the film has its problems, it’s still worth a look for anyone who is interested in the complexities of race and culture in modern America.
Pros of Forever Genie
A big pro to ForeverGenie is that it allows you to skip the standby line at attractions when you use it. That’s a major perk, especially when you’re traveling with kids. Less waiting time means more time for everyone to enjoy their favorite rides.
Another huge benefit is that it can be used to skip the line at shows, parades and character meet and greets as well! That’s a great feature, especially when your little ones are tired and cranky from waiting in long lines. So, it’s definitely a worthwhile purchase for your Disney trip. Just make sure you plan ahead so you can take advantage of it during the best times to use it: first thing in the morning and late at night. That way, you’ll be able to experience more of the park without having your little ones get cranky while waiting in line for too long.