Kazaam

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Kazaam

PG

Released Jul 17, 1996

1h 33m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

5%

Tomatometer

37 Reviews

20%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

A genie named Kazaam (Shaquille O'Neal) has been sealed up for thousands of years, until one day he is accidentally freed by Max (Francis Capra), who is on the run from a local gang. Kazaam explains to the youth that he belongs to Max until he grants three wishes, but what Max really wants is to get to know his estranged father. When the genie, who considers trying his hand at a music career, forgets about his young master, Max is attacked by villainous club owner Malik (Marshall Manesh).

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Critics Consensus

Crafted from a mix of genre clichés, Kazaam doesn't know what kind of film it wants to be, and Shaq's larger-than-life charisma is stifled by rote filmmaking and an unimaginative story.

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

It's marketing, not moviemaking.

Rated: 1/4

Aug 23, 2017

Full Review

Barry McIlheney

Empire Magazine

Dismal.

Rated: 1/5

May 29, 2013

Full Review

Desmond Ryan

Philadelphia Inquirer

In his Hollywood debut, Shaq more or less played himself as a coveted college center in William Friedkin's excellent Blue Chips. Kazaam is a compelling argument for keeping him on the court and as far away from a movie set as possible.

Rated: 1.5/4

May 29, 2013

Full Review

Alistair Lawrence

Common Sense Media

Bad fantasy comedy is dated and materialistic; bullying.

Rated: 1/5

Aug 7, 2020

Full Review

Mal Vincent

The Virginian-Pilot

The movie looked lively and imaginative in the trailer that has been showing for months. Stretch it out to 92 minutes, though, and you realize that the entire thing was effectively and attractively squeezed into the preview.

Rated: 2/4

Jan 8, 2019

Full Review

John Ferguson

Radio Times

Ultimately this is a kids-only affair.

Rated: 2/5

Jul 22, 2014

Full Review

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Malcolm h

Oh wow maybe or maybe not im a critic but this movie was beyond bogus. I mean slap up Shaquile O'Neal and some other actor's then etned a preview and movie trailer to 92 minutes so were not entertained about this cringefest. It's like were all thinking about a whole bunch of movies you know the average first two movies are good 3rd ones fine and then the 4th one sucked yet we still like it? welp to end my review this became a disappointment how dare they perplexify us and then dumbfound with rap/hip hop instead of rock and roll.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/13/25

Full Review

Curtis B

This piece of crap couldn’t have been worse. The title is now the standard all horrible things are compared to. (Do NOT eat that, it’s Kazaam!”

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

11/25/24

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am k

Shaqs acting is terrible but this was a favorite childhood movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

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Jared G

For sheer entertainment this is genuinely a phenomenal movie. Had a blast watching this 10/5 would watch again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/28/24

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Samuel W

Kazaam is more than just a 90s nostalgia trip; it’s a tale of finding hope in the most unexpected places. Shaquille O'Neal's genie brought magic into my life when I needed it most, reminding me that even the most improbable things can light the way forward. Up up and away.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/22/24

Full Review

SkyRo P

"Kazaam" features Shaquille O’Neal as a genie, and the film is known for its frequent and significant costume changes that added to the humor of the movie. It seemed like Shaq wore more outfits in this film than anyone has in a single movie. The overall wrapping of the story was subpar and cheesy, and the plot felt scattered and somewhat nonsensical. However, the film's charm lies in its nostalgic 90s vibe, where movies were more about enjoyment and entertainment rather than deep storytelling. Despite the shortcomings in the story, the CGI and filming were surprisingly decent, and the chemistry between Max and the genie was a highlight. The exploration of Max's family dynamics, particularly his parents' separation, added depth to the storyline and allowed viewers to connect emotionally with the characters throughout the film.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/30/24

Full Review

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Paul Michael Glaser

Director

Shaquille O'Neal

Kazaam

Francis Capra

Maxwell "Max" Connor

Ally Walker

Alice Connor

Marshall Manesh

Malik

James Acheson

Nick

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Synopsis

A genie named Kazaam (Shaquille O'Neal) has been sealed up for thousands of years, until one day he is accidentally freed by Max (Francis Capra), who is on the run from a local gang. Kazaam explains to the youth that he belongs to Max until he grants three wishes, but what Max really wants is to get to know his estranged father. When the genie, who considers trying his hand at a music career, forgets about his young master, Max is attacked by villainous club owner Malik (Marshall Manesh).

Director: Paul Michael Glaser
Producer: Scott Kroopf, Paul Michael Glaser, Bob Engleman
Screenwriter: Christian Ford, Roger Soffer
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 17, 1996, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 12, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $18.9M
Runtime: 1h 33m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Surround

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