Directed by Chris Buck (Frozen) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (Moana), Wish is an animated Disney film about the power of wishful thinking, following one's dreams, and hope. It has a powerful message and is a fun 95-minute escape into a magical world. Wish utilizes the voice talents of Ariana DeBose (Hamilton), Chris Pine (Star Trek), Alan Tudyk (Firefly), Angelique Cabral (Life in Pieces), Victor Garber (Titanic), Natasha Rothwell (The White Lotus), Jennifer Kumiyama (Awkward.), Harvey Guillen (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish), and Evan Peters (X-Men: Days of Future Past).
In the fictitious island known as Rosas which sits in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, young Asha (DeBose) prepares to interview as the apprentice to the king. King Magnifico (Pine) is beloved among the citizens for his love, generosity, and his magical powers as a talented sorcerer. He is also capable of granting the wishes of the citizens of Rosas and does so once a month. But once Asha learns the truth about what happens to the citizens and their wishes when they are not granted, she gets into an argument with the king. Distraught, she wishes upon a star, which comes down to Rosas in order to help Asha's wish come true.
The film is full of wonderful voice actors. DeBose, Pine, and Tudyk stand out as Asha, Magnifico, and Valentino (Asha's pet goat, who steals the show). The cast as well as the onscreen characters are delightfully diverse. It is refreshing to see animated films set in different places and characters that represent different types of people. Asha's best friend (other than Valentino) is Dahlia (Kumiyama) who is not only a royal baker but is also disabled.
An underrated character who deserved more screentime is Queen Amaya (Cabral), who is faced with a heartbreaking decision to make. Does she side with her beloved husband, whom she has followed since the beginning of his journey and who she knows started with good intentions and a wholesome vision? Or does she side with Asha and the people of Rosas? She knows that the love of her life, Magnifico, is out of control with power but sometimes the love that holds people together can also blind them.
Just like how romance novels utilize tropes because the genre and its fans expect to see them, Disney's animated films do the same. Strong, independent, and plucky lead character? Check. Loveable and witty side kick who is almost always an adorably small animal? Check. A villain with dark eyes and an underground lair? Also check. A line about how "you don't understand because you're just a kid?" Of course. But is it enough to satisfy the tropes without trying to surpass or challenge them?
Wish is a centennial celebration for Disney and that can be seen throughout the film. The influence of this momentous occasion is apparent from the theme (of wishing upon a star), to fun callbacks to historical Disney movies, to nostalgic stardust interpretations of iconic Disney characters during the ending credits. And each of the characters in Asha's friend group is based off of one of the seven dwarves in Snow White.
Wish is a wonderful movie on its own. There is a wholesome and beautiful message for its young target audience. The acting and animation are great. But when compared to other Disney movies, it falls short. The songs, while complex and meaningful, aren't memorable. The jokes were sometimes chuckle-worthy but there aren't many memorable one-liners or quotes to share with friends.
If moviegoers and their youngsters are looking for a sweet and playfully adventurous film which will tug on heartstrings, Wish may fulfill that ticket. Is it worth the cost of admission and price of popcorn? It's a toss-up. A theater wouldn't enhance the experience, but there are definitely worse ways of spending a few dollars.