Watch Kazaam

Kazaam is a family-friendly fantasy movie released in 1996 that stars Shaquille O'Neal, who is famously known for his prolific career as a professional basketball player, in the titular role of a powerful genie in Arabic mythology. The movie is directed by Paul M. Glaser and produced by Touchstone Pictures. The main character of the movie is Max Connor, played by Francis Capra, a 12-year-old boy living in New York City, whose parents are divorced, and he is living with his mother and her boyfriend in a small, run-down apartment. Max is a troubled kid, who is bullied and has little to no friends. His only escape is his love for rap music, which he listens to on his boombox constantly.

One day, while running from some bullies, Max stumbles upon an old boombox in a dumpster. He takes it home and starts playing it, not realizing that it is the same magic boombox that has been lost for centuries and contains the genie Kazaam. Kazaam, played by Shaquille O'Neal, is a genie who has been trapped inside the boombox for 5,000 years, and he is finally released when Max plays music on the boombox.

Initially, Max thinks he has gone crazy when he sees Kazaam, but he soon realizes he has a genie who can grant him wishes. However, Kazaam is not your typical genie. He is unorthodox, brash, and has a love for rap music. The two become unlikely friends as Kazaam helps Max navigate his issues at school, stand up to his bullies, and get in touch with his own musical talents.

However, Kazaam has a problem of his own. He must grant Max's three wishes, despite the fact that he doesn't want to be a genie anymore. Kazaam has grown bored with granting wishes over the centuries, and all he wants is to be free from his duties as a genie. Max's wishes help Kazaam discover his human side and reconnect with his love for music, but they also put Kazaam in danger when an evil businessman named Malik, played by Marshall Manesh, tries to steal the magic boombox and gain control of Kazaam's power.

Throughout the movie, Max and Kazaam become best friends, and they help each other overcome their fears and insecurities. They share moments of laughter, magic, and heart, and they both learn valuable lessons about themselves and life. In the end, Max must confront Malik and save Kazaam from his clutches, and Kazaam must face his final challenge, granting Max his last wish.

Kazaam is a fun, lively, and heartwarming family movie that combines elements of comedy, drama, and fantasy. The movie has a strong message of friendship, self-discovery, and the power of music. Shaquille O'Neal's performance as Kazaam is energetic and charismatic, and he brings a sense of fun and coolness to the character that kids and adults alike can enjoy. Francis Capra's portrayal of Max is relatable and honest, and he captures the struggles and anxieties of a young boy trying to find his place in the world.

The movie's soundtrack is also a highlight, featuring rap songs and original music by Shaquille O'Neal himself, who is a talented rapper in his own right. The special effects and visuals of the movie are impressive for its time, and the set design of Kazaam's world is imaginative and colorful.

Overall, Kazaam is a timeless movie that has become a cult classic among fans of the fantasy genre. It's a movie that all ages can enjoy, and it is a reminder of the magic and wonder that can come from unlikely friendships and the power of music.

Kazaam is a 1996 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.1 and a MetaScore of 24.