Where was this in my movie theater community in 1979? I recall seeing advertisements for this in various papers, teeny tiny little marker said it was playing at some neighborhood theater, but going to the movies a lot in does not have surely would have gone to see it. Those colorful Universal action films which starred the trio I mentioned above were preliminary versions of what special effects master Ray Harryhausen was noted for over 20 years, and while this may not be on the level of those films as far as technical achievements, it is simply gorgeous to look at and truly engaging from start to finish.
Puneet Sira could charm the venom out of a cobra as the little Aladdin like boy who assists the handsome Oliver Tobias and a pre-"General Hospital*/"Dynasty" Emma Samms in their fight against princess Samm's evil stepfather (Christopher Lee). The journey that they go on to defeat Lee is amazing even though some moments are very silly and some of the casting is questionable. Milo O'Shea is amusing as Tobias's sidekick, but his Irish dialect is obvious. Peter Cushing is on and off screen so fast that you barely have time to really acknowledge his presence. Mickey Rooney's brief characterization does have a point but he plays it with such self grandeur that it almost becomes deprecating to the film. It does explains on how the metallic monsters are able to move around and spitfire, sort of reminding me of Dick Van Dyke as the inventor in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang".
Another great sequence involves an evil genie whom Tobias and O'Shea deal with in an amusing fashion. Tobias certainly is handsome and rugged and a great hero, but I do question his casting as well as the very beautiful Samms whose British accent also gets in the way. But it's easy to get past these flaws because the film is fast-moving and enjoyable and filled with gorgeous sets and costumes and a terrific fantasy environment. Don't expect "Aladdin" (2019) going into this but I can see elements of the live action movie that may have not been copied but are certainly obvious. So put aside your 2020 demand for high-tech and loud special effects and just enjoy this for the elegant carpet ride it is. With that attitude, you cannot be disappointed.
Puneet Sira could charm the venom out of a cobra as the little Aladdin like boy who assists the handsome Oliver Tobias and a pre-"General Hospital*/"Dynasty" Emma Samms in their fight against princess Samm's evil stepfather (Christopher Lee). The journey that they go on to defeat Lee is amazing even though some moments are very silly and some of the casting is questionable. Milo O'Shea is amusing as Tobias's sidekick, but his Irish dialect is obvious. Peter Cushing is on and off screen so fast that you barely have time to really acknowledge his presence. Mickey Rooney's brief characterization does have a point but he plays it with such self grandeur that it almost becomes deprecating to the film. It does explains on how the metallic monsters are able to move around and spitfire, sort of reminding me of Dick Van Dyke as the inventor in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang".
Another great sequence involves an evil genie whom Tobias and O'Shea deal with in an amusing fashion. Tobias certainly is handsome and rugged and a great hero, but I do question his casting as well as the very beautiful Samms whose British accent also gets in the way. But it's easy to get past these flaws because the film is fast-moving and enjoyable and filled with gorgeous sets and costumes and a terrific fantasy environment. Don't expect "Aladdin" (2019) going into this but I can see elements of the live action movie that may have not been copied but are certainly obvious. So put aside your 2020 demand for high-tech and loud special effects and just enjoy this for the elegant carpet ride it is. With that attitude, you cannot be disappointed.