Summary of The Profound Train-wreck of Aladdin (2019)

00:00:00 - 00:20:00

In the video "The Profound Train-Wreck of Aladdin (2019)," Big Joel discusses the many ways in which the film does not make sense. He argues that the characters lack a basic understanding of power, which is reflected in the incoherent plot and logic of the film.

• 00:00:00 In the 2019 live action remake of Aladdin, Jasmine is walking around the city pretending to be a common person to get a taste of freedom. When she takes food from a vendor, the vendor confronts her and she says that she won't steal from him if he lets her go to the palace. Khalil, who's walking by, overhears her and walks away. Jasmine is still the same judgmental hypocrite at the end of the film, despite having changed her opinion on stealing.
• 00:05:00 The "profound train-wreck" of Aladdin centers around the character's lack of power and identity within a country or dynasty. The original film frames this as a function of language, while the remake emphasizes Aladdin's street rat status.
• 00:10:00 In this video, Big Joel discusses the train-wreck that is Aladdin. He points out that becoming a sultan is not simply a matter of being given some fancy clothes or a title; it's a change that happens when a force greater than language grants the request. Because of this, Aladdin's loyalty to Jafar is immediately revoked once Jasmine starts yelling at Hakeem.
• 00:15:00 The Profound Train-Wreck of Aladdin is a video essay exploring the nonsensical plot and logic of the 2019 Disney movie. The video argues that the film's lack of coherent logic is a reflection of the way power is understood by its characters.
• 00:20:00 The profundity of "Aladdin" is questioned in a video by Big Joel, who feels the film is dense and confusing. In addition to the regular monthly releases on Nebula, subscribers get access to videos on Shane Dawson's weird 911 trutherism, the channel's School of Life, and how much he hates the film.