Wish: Unveiling the Imperfections in Disney's Celebration

Despite its youthful appearance, Walt Disney Studios has been marking its 100th anniversary throughout 2023. The latest addition to the celebration is "Wish," a fresh animated film that encapsulates everything Disney stands for, wrapped up with a delightful Minnie Mouse bow.

The concept is straightforward: expand on the studio's iconic "wishing on a star" theme and transform it into a full 95-minute movie, complete with catchy songs and endearing animal companions. While Disney likely aimed to recreate the delightful satisfaction of their iconic Mickey Mouse waffles or ice cream, the film feels more like the cinematic equivalent of cheddar cheese.

Wish, although not Disney’s best or worst film, is laced with holes and is likely better enjoyed when not stripped back to its core elements. Young Asha (played by Ariana DeBose) is not a princess, which feels like a slightly wasted nod to tradition, but she loves her kingdom of Rosas and is eager to study under King Magnifico (Chris Pine), a sorcerer.

In Rosas, people give their wishes to the King on their 18th birthday, but Asha learns that Magnifico has no intention of granting most of them. In her quest to retrieve the wishes, Asha gets herself into something much more complicated. It's not an entirely original plot and is executed without fault, but the comforting and dazzling Disney magic remains strong.

Ticking off the Disney checklist

Disney’s Wish embraces the formulaic nature of Disney movies, intentionally weaving in elements from nearly every film they have ever made to create a nostalgic tribute. The classic Disney ingredients are all present, with catchy tunes reminiscent of Encanto, talking animals in the forest, and a villain with powers straight out of the 90s studio collection.

While the result can be emotionally moving, the sheer volume of references can dilute the impact of the story. Asha’s journey feels somewhat superficial, and the enigmatic goat Valentino adds little to the overall narrative. Despite this, the performances of DeBose and Pine shine, showcasing their impressive singing and acting abilities.

Stretching to make the magic work

For die-hard Disney fans, Wish is sure to be a delightful experience. The film is filled with hidden references to uncover, following in the successful footsteps of Pixar. The characters possess familiar traits, and the settings and scenes pay tribute to classic movies. Asha may not be a fully developed character, but she serves as a token of gratitude for 100 years of magical storytelling.

Disney

Although Wish may not be foolproof, the enchantment is always present. This is most evident in the form of a wishing star, accidentally summoned by Asha while trying to help the people of Rosas. The star is not only a potential merchandising success, but it also represents the fundamental and optimistic essence of Disney. It conveys the idea that good deeds can make a difference in the world, dreams can come true, and everything will be okay in the end – sometimes, we just need to be reminded, no matter what.

The animation style is just as jarring as the plot. Disney suggests it is trying something new and presenting something unfinished. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what is different to the untrained eye, yet it seems to blend the 2D animation of the past with an experimental 3D take of the present.

Is Asha’s journey thrilling or fulfilling in "Wish"? With an honest outlook, probably not. Disney has done a better job at creating a narrative journey and moral messages in the past, with this latest outing feeling like resting on their laurels. They are laurels that Disney certainly deserves, but it makes the celebration feel superficial. That being said, nothing in the movie isn’t worth its time, with the soundtrack, performance, and feel-good factor all delivering the intended effect.

Wish review score: 3/5

To mark its 100th birthday, Wish has gone in half-baked. References to the past are gleeful and overly obvious but certainly enjoyable nonetheless.

The performances and songs are definitely the highlights, but the story is forgettable. Don't miss Wish in theaters on November 22 and worldwide on November 24. Explore more TV & Movies content in our other hubs below.

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Editor's P/S

1. Disney's latest animated film, "Wish," has received mixed reviews from critics. Some praise the film's heartwarming message and catchy songs, while others criticize its lack of originality and formulaic plot. As a long-time Disney fan, I have to admit that I fall somewhere in the middle. While I enjoyed the film's visuals and music, I couldn't help but feel like I had seen it all before.

2. Despite its flaws, "Wish" is still a fun and entertaining film that is sure to please younger audiences. The story is simple and easy to follow, and the characters are likable and relatable. The film's message of hope and optimism is also sure to resonate with viewers of all ages. Overall, I would say that "Wish" is a solid addition to the Disney canon, but it's not one of the studio's best films.