‘Wish’ Spoiler-Free Review

TV&Film

Nov 19

Disney's new animated movie, Wish, culminates 100 years of storytelling. It’s a wonderful movie, that teaches people how everyone’s wishes shine more brightly when they’re together. The new film is charming, fun and full of life. It of course has its flaws and doesn’t always shine, but when it does, it shines brightly.

In the kingdom of Rosas, which we’re first introduced to by protagonist Asha, at the age of 18, you give your greatest wish to King Magnifico. The citizens of Rosas live their lives hoping that one day the king will make their wishes come true. Asha interviews for the position of the King’s assistant. Here she learns the dark truth about the wishes, and how not everyone will get theirs granted. Upset by this, she wishes upon a star, to help her grandfather’s and mother’s wishes be granted. This gives us her new adorable star companion, appropriately named Star. Eventually, Magnifico is corrupted by power and starts to destroy their wishes. Asha, Star, and the people of Rosas all unite to defeat the evil King Magnifico once and for all.

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Wish promo image — Image Source: USA Today

Ariana DeBose shines as Asha and is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to her voice. Asha is a 17-year-old girl and your classic Disney heroine, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. She’s loveable, cares about everyone around her, and she never wavers in what she believes. King Magnifico is someone you start out liking. You can tell he loves the people of his kingdom, but we all know that power corrupts, which is exactly what it does. He becomes a villain with no redeeming qualities and looks terrifying at times. We also get new adorable companions in Valentino the talking goat, and Star. Alan Tudyk voices Valentino and provides many of the hilarious jokes. Star is the cutest little star in the galaxy (and in Disney), so I wouldn’t be surprised if their merchandise is a huge seller for Disney.

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem both came out this year and were applauded for their animation. Wish’s animation is nowhere on the same scale but is still pretty. It is a combo of 2D and 3D, which works well together. There are even moments when the background scenery looks like a watercolor painting. It’s great to see 2D animation again in Disney films, and hopefully, it will be utilized again for future films.

This movie marks the end of Disney’s 100-year celebration, so it's no surprise that it’s riddled with references to past films. These references are never out of place and are not always obvious either. They are a welcome addition to the film, and great callbacks to all the Disney movies that came before it.

After 100 years, and countless films, it’s not hard to compare Wish. It’s not nearly on the same scale as some previous Disney animated films, but it's still a delight. The music is fun, and the songs are catchy. While it's nothing revolutionary, at the end of the day, it’s still a kid's film and will delight any child, or child at heart.

Rating: 8/10

Wish releases in theaters on November 22nd, 2023.

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