Wish Movie Review
Nathan Swank
November 20th, 2023
While Disney’s Marvel property seems to become more and more bland, Disney animation continues to hit homeruns. I’m always excited to take my kids to the movies, but I’m more looking forward to it for their sake rather than my own. I’m far more eager to see some of the other new films pushing out for award season. However, WISH absolutely took me by surprise. WISH is a beautiful, sentimental gem with an inspiring story and a giant heart. It’s a shining star.
Like many of Disney’s animated movies, WISH focuses on music telling much of the story. And much like FROZEN, MOANA, and ENCANTO, the music is fun, catchy, and inspiring. The musical comedy follows a magical kingdom where ruler, King Magnifico (voiced by Chris Pine), takes his subject’s one true wish when they turn eighteen years of age. He keeps their wish safe and grants one wish per year, the catch is once they give up their wish, they forget it immediately. Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose), a young sharp-witted idealist, discovers that King Magnifico has no intention of granting many of the wishes. She believes people should have their wish returned to them. Asha then makes a wish so powerful that a cute, silly, little magical star shoots down from the sky to help Asha and her funny baby pet goat, Valentino (voiced quite deeply by Alan Tudyk), save their community and prove that the courageous human spirit can rise up over the tyranny of evil men.
It takes about thirty minutes for WISH to really get going, but once it does, hang on for a funny, energized, emotional ride. The first couple of songs of the film are decent enough, feeling like lesser versions of similar stuff we’ve seen before. However, the thematic “This Wish” and “Knowing What I Know Now” are instant award worthy classics that kids will surely be playing again and again.
The similarity aspect is by design, as WISH is a bit of a call back or homage to Disney films of the past. The smorgasbord of easter eggs or references are beautifully done, adding a bit of texture to what we’ve seen before and nostalgia for those who grew up on Disney, which let’s be honest, is all of us. Obviously wishing upon a star has been a Disney staple since PINOCHIO. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS is heavily referenced as The King has some wicked witch vibes and Asha’s seven friends each share a trait of the seven dwarfs. CINDERELLA, ROBIN HOOD, and many others get some nods making it a truly delightful walk through memory, but still creating their own story. The real strength comes in the messaging. The positive hope in hanging on to one’s dreams, revolting against an oppressor, finding inner strength, and working together all play a major role in WISH.
WISH is inspiring, hopeful, and genuinely funny for all ages, delivering a practical, emotional message effectively for kids and adults alike. Perhaps seeing my own children get so excited and invested sways my grade of WISH. But I think that is an important perspective to have. My 9-year-old daughter gives WISH a 10 ½ out of 10. My 7-year-old boy gives a measured 9 out of 10 because it’s not as good as LORD OF THE RINGS. I can’t argue with that. But WISH is delightfully magical.
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