‘Wish’ Review – A Melodic Love Letter To Disney’s Past, Present, And Future

Synopsis: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new musical comedy “Wish” invites audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

Don’t let power, a title, or a position gas you up. Anything that’s given can be taken away. When you abuse or don’t respect those who you happen to have some type of authority over, eventually, they will fight back. Your removal can go a few different ways. It could be subtle or possibly even polite or it can be ugly and forceful. If you’re doing an adequate job, people would rather leave you be. It’s not hard to respect people, it’s even easier to be nice. If you think people respond well to fear, you should see how they respond to kindness.

“I decide what everyone deserves!”

When the world feels cold and lonely, your wishes, goals, and dreams can offer a warming comfort because the future is what you make of it. Directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn, Wish is a melodic love letter to Disney’s past, present, and future. If you’ve ever wondered what a potential Disney universe birthplace looks like, look no further. Now that I think about it, convergence may be a better term. From the songs to the watercolor animation to the multiple easter eggs and cameos, this movie has everything your children and your inner child need.

It’s a reminder to never give up on yourself or your dreams. A rhythmic alarm reiterating that just because you reach a certain age doesn’t mean that you have to forgo what you always knew would make you the happiest. Watching as an adult you begin to realize how much time you gave and wasted on things that didn’t matter. Whether it is wasting years at a job you never liked, staying in that toxic relationship, holding onto that one-sided friendship, or pretending that you don’t like collecting action figures, wasted time is wasted joy. Wish understands that we have a finite amount of time on Earth and if we can, we should spend it trying to make our wishes come true.

“You make it so they forget the most beautiful part of themselves.”

If you are a fan of classic Disney movies, Wish attempts to recapture that magic. While it may not provide you with all that your heart desires, it makes a valiant effort. It doesn’t fall short in its visuals. The film is stunning to behold as it mixes CGI and traditional watercolor with a paper-like texture. The runtime is no issue. It’s just over an hour and a half. You’ll have the best time pointing out the nostalgic references. The songs a sure to become classics in no time. And our protagonist, Asha embodies everything every Disney princess is celebrated for, though her impact is a bit more motherly. Subsequently, it falls short in the character department. While it features talking animals and crew that Asha entrusts, not one of them is memorable, not even the talking goat. Outside of our braided beauty voiced by Ariana DeBose and the wolf in sheep’s clothing, King Magnifico played by Chris Pine, everyone else is necessary for the plot but ultimately forgettable. Also, there is that ineffable x-factor that this film lacks that those before it don’t.

Outside of holding on to your dreams and wishes, the animated musical gracefully tackles white saviorism and corruption. Wrapped in charm and magic, and donning all white, Magnifico represents the degradation and ego of the self-righteous and self-important. Every positive act is a play in the ruse for power and admiration. And as we know, absolute power corrupts absolutely. The classic perseverance of good over evil is a joy to behold but the story’s focus on untapped and forgotten potential is what lasts. This film is fun for the whole family. The voice performances of the two leads, Debose and Pine are magnificent, the music is beautiful, and hopefully, you walk away with a new perspective. Its breathability is medium.

Pace & Pop

The pacing of the film’s first half is rather slow as it provides backstory and sets up its subplots. However, there are peeks into the pace to come as Magnifico begins to show his true colors. The second half of the film is extremely lively and full of surprises. What popped for me was the rich and angelic voice of Ariana DeBose. She makes every song feel three-dimensional.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as King Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s pet goat Valentino

Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine are not only the stars of the film but also the clear standouts. From their fantastic singing voices to their commitment to their roles, they create the movie’s magic. The two characters, Asha and King Magnifico are your embodiments of good versus evil. Where Magnifico is vain, selfish, power-hungry, and controlling, Asha is kind, selfless, and thoughtful. They are the perfect opposites for a story such as this.

Wish releases in theaters on November 22, 2023. Remain safe and here’s to another 100 years.

Rated: PG Runtime: 1h 35m Directors: Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn Story: Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn Screenplay: Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore Producers: Peter Del Vecho and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones Executive Producers: Jennifer Lee and Don Hall Original Songs: Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice Score: Dave Metzger Animation: Walt Disney Animation Studios

https://youtube.com/watch?v=oyRxxpD3yNw%3Fsi%3Drs_ZdU8l_uaKpgiy