In the last few years, Disney has been undergoing a very interesting experiment in Marketing for their feature films. Specifically, the ones not made as a Live-Action remake of previously existing properties. This phenomenon, wherein one of the largest companies in the entire world spends next to nothing to actually advertise for their new movies, leads to a movie like Wish. Although, this is hardly the first thing that’s wrong with the film.
Wish tells the story of Asha (Ariana DeBose), a 17-year-old girl who lives in the city of Rosas, where magical sorcerer-king Magnifico rules. Magnifico (Chris Pine) has the ability to grant wishes, and on the 18th birthday of everyone in Rosas, he takes their wishes from the townsfolk and stores them so that he may one day grant them.
Asha, determined to get her 100-year-old grandfather’s wish granted, interviews to be the King’s assistant and confronts him, where she learns that most people’s wishes will never be granted and that he only grants ones he deems “safe” for the kingdom.
That night, Asha wishes on a star and finds that it has fallen to earth and has magical powers. She sets out to grant her family’s wishes while the King (who’s gone mad with power) sets out to make sure he’s the only magical one in Rosas.
The biggest problem of many that I had with Wish is that the story really is immensely boring. The film is only 1h 34m long and yet I found myself wishing it to be over. The plot is lackluster, moves way too fast, and feels uninspired. Instead, Wish is clearly a promotion for Disney’s 100th anniversary. Between half-baked references to other Disney characters and a clear message around the company’s “When You Wish Upon a Star” theme, it feels like one big multi-million dollar marketing campaign.
It doesn’t help that the resolution to the story is one of the worst things I’ve seen from Disney in a long time.
Traditionally, Disney films especially are known for their music and Wish is no different. The film is full of musical numbers. What’s weird here is that they’re simultaneously bops that you can dance with and also the cringiest songs you’ve ever heard. Plus, it’s incredible that they’re so ill-timed within the story itself. I found myself wondering why they were breaking out into song at certain points numerous times throughout Wish.
I do have to give credit, though, to the voice acting work of DeBose and Pine. They do tremendous work carrying the load of this movie, and Pine is further proving his far-reaching and frankly underrated talent in the industry.
What really stood out about Wish though, is the animation style. While I personally didn’t enjoy the blend of 3d models and 2d sets/backdrops, I can appreciate the innovation, uniqueness and work that went into it. For me, it just reminded me too much of old-school barbie movies that I used to watch with my sister.
Final thoughts
Wish is mostly forgettable through and through. While kids may enjoy it for the upbeat songs and low stakes feel, it really accomplishes little else than being Disney’s 200 million dollar 100th anniversary promotion. It’s rather disappointing to see their efforts put here and not in creating more unique stories.
