Kazaam (1996)
A larger-than-life genie, a lonely kid, and three wishes collide in this wildly entertaining 1990s fantasy comedy starring Shaquille O'Neal.
Kazaam - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1996
- Directed by: Paul Michael Glaser
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Fantasy, Comedy, Family
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 17, 1996 (Sweden - 15), July 17, 1996 (United States - PG), December 12, 1996 (Germany - 12), May 8, 1997 (Brazil - 10)
- Production Companies: Touchstone Pictures, Interscope Communications, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Universal Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Kazaam - Plot
When Max fools a gang of local toughs, he finds himself in big trouble. Fleeing from the thugs, Max runs into an old warehouse and bumps into a boom box. By doing that, he manages to release Kazaam, a genie who has been held captive for thousands of years.
Kazaam - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the magic unfold:
The world's most powerful genie has just met his match.
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Kazaam - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paul Michael Glaser
Main Cast
- Shaquille O'Neal
- Francis Capra
- Ally Walker
- Marshall Manesh
- James Acheson
- Fawn Reed
- John Costelloe
- Mother Love
- Brandon Durand
- Wade Robson
Writers
- Christian Ford
- Roger Soffer
- Paul Michael Glaser
Producers
- Paul Michael Glaser
- Robert Engelman
- Scott Kroopf
Kazaam - FAQs
Where can you stream Kazaam (1996)?
Kazaam is available to stream on Disney Plus with a subscription. It can also be rented or purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home, giving viewers plenty of options to watch the film.
Did Shaquille O'Neal actually rap in Kazaam?
Yes, Shaquille O'Neal performed original rap songs throughout Kazaam, leaning into his real-life music career at the time. The film's soundtrack featured his rapping as a central element of the genie character's personality, blending hip-hop culture with the fantasy premise.
Is Kazaam based on a true story?
No, Kazaam is not based on a true story. It is an original fantasy comedy screenplay written by Christian Ford, Roger Soffer, and director Paul Michael Glaser, drawing on classic genie mythology and wish-fulfillment storytelling traditions for a family-friendly adventure.
Who are the main actors in Kazaam?
Kazaam stars Shaquille O'Neal in the title role as the genie, alongside Francis Capra as Max, the young boy who frees him. Ally Walker plays Max's mother Alice, while Marshall Manesh portrays the villain Malik. Wade Robson and Mother Love also appear in supporting roles.
What is Kazaam about?
Kazaam follows Max, a troubled kid who accidentally releases Kazaam, a genie imprisoned for thousands of years inside a boom box. The unlikely duo forms a bond as Kazaam grants wishes, but they must also contend with a dangerous villain who wants to exploit the genie's powers.
What is the age rating for Kazaam?
Kazaam is rated PG by the MPA, making it suitable for general family audiences with parental guidance suggested for younger children. The film contains mild action, some peril, and light comedic content appropriate for kids and families seeking a lighthearted fantasy adventure.
How long is Kazaam?
Kazaam has a runtime of 94 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes. Its brisk pace keeps the family-friendly fantasy story moving quickly, making it an easy watch for children and parents looking for an entertaining film that does not overstay its welcome.
How was Kazaam received by critics?
Kazaam received largely negative reviews from critics, who found the script thin and the premise underdeveloped. Despite Shaquille O'Neal's charismatic screen presence, reviewers felt the film failed to fully capitalize on its concept. It has since gained a cult following as a nostalgic curiosity of 1990s family cinema.
More About Kazaam
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