Review - Wish (2023)

         Hey guys, Chuck here, and this is my review of Wish, the newest film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, which stars Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk, Victor Garber, Evan Peters, Angelique Cabral, Natasha Rothwell, and many more. The film is intended to be a celebration of one hundred years of Disney, but does it shine like the wishing star, or is it a reflection on just how far Disney has fallen these past couple of years? Let's find out as we take a look at Wish. 

         So, the movie is set in the kingdom of Rosas, where their ruler is King Magnifico, who has the power to collect, and possibly, grant the wishes of the people of Rosas. Our main heroine is seventeen year old Asha, who is preparing to begin an apprenticeship with King Magnifico, but learns that he's not everything the people believe him to be. One night, she makes a wish on a wishing star, which descends and takes on the form of a small ball of light called Star. And, how does the evil King Magnifico react to Asha and Star? You might want to see this movie yourself to find out, but not necessarily in theaters. 

        Well, let's start off with some of the positives. First, the animation. I really admire the watercolor cel shading art style combined with the computer animation. It really gives the movie that kind of classic storybook feel. Also, the music. Now, while I don't think that there's going to be that next "Let it Go," "We Don't Talk about Bruno," or "How Far I'll Go" among the songs in this movie, I do enjoy the music in the movie in terms of how it serves the story. Easily the best song is "This Wish," performed by Ariana DeBose. Also, the song "This Is The Thanks I Get?!" performed by Chris Pine is a fun bop, and definitely fits in among the classic villain songs of Disney's past. Not quite as good as those, but still a nice Disney villain song. So, kudos to songwriters Julia Michaels and JP Saxe for their work on the songs in the movie.

         As far as the cast goes, the one true bright spot is Ariana DeBose as Asha. She definitely takes her place among some of the beloved Disney heroines, and is easily a character that audiences will enjoy. Alan Tudyk as Valentino the goat can be funny at times, but also had me rolling my eyes on a handful of occasions. Victor Garber and Natasha Rothwell were pretty good as Asha's grandfather and mother, respectively, as was Angelique Cabral as Queen Amaya. Ultimately, though, Chris Pine was serviceable as the villainous King Magnifico, and he feels like a decent homage so some of the classic Disney villains like Dr. Facilier, Gaston, and Jafar. But, that's all he is, an homage. 

       In fact, this entire movie pretty much feels like an homage. This movie is stuffed with distracting homages and nostalgic callbacks to the great Disney movies of the past century, as if the story writers were too afraid that the story didn't have strong enough legs to stand on its own, so they decided to have as many callbacks to past successes as possible just to pad out the movie. To borrow from a popular song by Tenacious D: this is not the grand celebration of one hundred years of Disney, this is just a tribute. However, I did admire the final scene where all of the people of Rosas make their stand against King Magnifico, showcasing how the dreams and wishes of the many can overcome the power of the one. 

        Now, I'm not going to say that Wish completely sucks, because it doesn't. I enjoyed it, and I'm glad I saw it. But, it just wasn't fulfilling enough for me to celebrate it as a massive hit for Disney. But, if you have kids, definitely take them to see this one, especially in 3D. Other than that, just wait for it to come to Disney+, I suppose. I'm giving Disney's Wish a rating of 3.95/5. 

        Anyway guys, this is Chuck signing off, and I really hope Disney turns their creativity around soon, because this was just...yeah.