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Kazaam

Name: Kazaam
Director: Paul Michael Glaser
Released: 1996
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

2.2/10

Limited

1996

Director

Paul Michael Glaser

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Kazaam marks a significant step forward for racial representation in mainstream cinema by placing a Black protagonist in a position of magical ability to act. However, the film's progressive impact is limited by its adherence to conventional social structures. It relies on traditional gender hierarchies and a standard Western moral compass, focusing on material stability and nuclear family values without challenging them. Ultimately, while the film breaks racial barriers for its time, it remains a conservative commercial comedy that avoids exploring diverse identities or non-traditional social frameworks.

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Category Breakdown

Does Kazaam have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters and focuses solely on traditional heterosexual relationships within a nuclear family setting.

How does Kazaam portray gender?

Fair

The story emphasizes traditional masculine roles and fatherly mentorship through male characters. Female characters play supporting roles and have less influence on the main plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Kazaam?

Good

By featuring a Black lead in a actively leading fantasy role, the film challenges the historical trend of white-centric casting in mainstream fantasy genres.

How does Kazaam represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film upholds traditional Western values and social structures, emphasizing family and material stability without questioning institutional norms.

Does Kazaam include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities, nor does it explore neurodivergent experiences.

Present on Screen

Features a Black protagonist in a actively leading fantasy role, breaking racial barriers.
Offers meaningful racial representation for its era.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
Emphasizes traditional gender roles and secondary female characterization.
Does not address disability or neurodivergent experiences.
Reinforces conventional Western social and materialist values.

Official Synopsis

When Max fools a gang of local toughs, he finds himself in big trouble. Fleeing from the thugs, Max runs into an old warehouse and bumps into a boom box. By doing that, he manages to release Kazaam, a genie who has been held captive for thousands of years.

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