Wish – Film Review
Published November 25, 2023
Movie Details
Disney has had a track record of bringing fascinating, often inspirational, stories to life, and Wish fits comfortably into that mold. This is a magical, colorful and moving film that is elevated by impressive vocal performances, a unique animation style, and an inspiring narrative.
Director Chris Buck, who helmed Frozen, co-directs Wish with Fawn Veerasunthorn in her directorial debut, from a screenplay by Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore. They manage to concoct an adventure that merges whimsy and cautionary allegory with emotional resonance.
The story of Wish revolves around a 17-year-old Asha, whose feisty character and persistence power the narrative. Asha’s resilience in facing up to the dishonest king adds tension to the narrative and provides an impactful life lesson for younger viewers.
The standout star in the voice cast is Ariana DeBose, who is charismatic and passionate in her performance as Asha. Her journey is beautifully mapped, taking the character from curiosity and boldness, through betrayal and rebellion, and finally, empowerment. Chris Pine’s voicing of King Magnifico is suitably imposing and arrogant, with a touch of charm that makes the king’s villainy believable. Angelique Cabral’s Queen Amaya also leaves an imprint with her assertiveness and humility.
The hand-drawn computer animation works superbly, lending Wish a charming and unique aesthetic. There is a handcrafted quality to the visuals that imbues the film with a delightful and nostalgic Disney look. The colours are striking and beautifully contrasted. The character design, particularly of Asha, King Magnifico, and Star, is expertly realized.
One thing that was definitely quite an astonishing achievement here were the songs. My favorites would have to be “Welcome to Rosas” and “This Wish,” although all of the songs are fantastic, upbeat, and are almost guaranteed to stick in your head for days and days after hearing them. It’s definitely a soundtrack you should be listening to.
Despite being visually and thematically impressive, the story often follows a predictable Disney template. The twist regarding Simon’s betrayal is apparent early on, and the climactic confrontation does not deliver as big an impact as it could have.
It’s not to say the narrative doesn’t captivate. The overarching message is beautifully layered – to not fear dreams, to strive for one’s wish, and above all, the importance of staying true to oneself in face of adversity. This central theme is brilliantly interwoven into the fabric of the story and carried out effectively till the very end.
Wish feels very much like a traditional Disney film but with a more unique and stylish twist. This blending of old and new results in a film that should captivate audiences of all ages. Wish manages to strike the right balance between humor and poignant life lessons while delighting the viewer with visually stunning animation and engaging characters.
At the end of the day, Wish has its minor hiccups, but its essence is pure Disney. With enchanting animation, a spirited heroine, and an evocative moral tale, the film does what Disney does best – touching our hearts while bringing joy and magic to the silver screen.