“Kazaam” is a family comedy-fantasy film released by Touchstone Pictures in 1996. The movie stars NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal in the titular role of Kazaam, a genie who emerges from a magical boombox to grant three wishes to a young boy named Max Conner (played by Francis Capra).
The story revolves around Max, a troubled and street-smart teenager who feels neglected by his father and struggles to fit in at school. One day, while searching for a lost baseball, Max stumbles upon a mysterious and ancient golden boombox in an abandoned building. To his surprise, he inadvertently releases Kazaam, a 7-foot tall genie with a larger-than-life personality.
Kazaam explains that he has been trapped in the boombox for thousands of years, and now, he must fulfill Max’s three wishes as his master. However, Kazaam’s lack of experience as a genie and his quirky antics often lead to hilarious and unpredictable outcomes, creating both humorous and heartwarming moments.
As Max and Kazaam spend time together, they form an unlikely bond, and Kazaam becomes a mentor and father figure to Max, helping him navigate through the challenges in his life. Through the power of friendship and magical adventures, Max learns valuable life lessons about self-discovery, courage, and the importance of family.
Directed by Paul Michael Glaser, “Kazaam” combines elements of fantasy, comedy, and family drama to create an entertaining and engaging story suitable for audiences of all ages. Shaquille O’Neal’s charismatic performance as the wish-granting genie brings a sense of fun and charm to the film, making “Kazaam” a memorable and enjoyable family-friendly movie.
Though “Kazaam” received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since gained a cult following and remains a nostalgic gem for fans of 90s cinema. With its heartwarming themes and Shaq’s endearing portrayal of Kazaam, the film continues to bring joy and laughter to audiences, making it a beloved entry in the family comedy genre.
Additional Details
- Movie Studio: Touchstone Pictures
- Year Released: 1996
- Type of Movie: Live Action
- Box Office: $18.9 million
- IMDB Link
Cast
- Shaquille O’Neal: Kazaam
- Francis Capra: Maxwell “Max” Connor
- Ally Walker: Alice Connor
- James Acheson: Nick Matteo
- John Costelloe: Travis O’Neil
- Marshall Manesh: Malik
- Efren Ramirez: Carlos
- Da Brat: Herself
- Jake Glaser: Jake
- Deidra Roper: Spinderella
- Fawn Reed: Asia Moon
Crew
- Director: Paul Michael Glaser
- Producers: Paul Michael Glaser, Scott Kroopf and Bob Engelman
- Screenplay: Christian Ford and Roger Soffer