Are Disney’s Wishes Granted?
By: Annika Reschke
Disney did not “wish” hard enough upon their star for their latest release. “Wish,” an animated Disney movie based on the origin of the “wishing star,” was released November 22, 2023, and flopped in the box office. The film spent nine weeks in theaters before moving to streaming platforms like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV. Rated PG, the Walt Disney production runs 1 hour and 35 minutes, which is 1 hour and 35 minutes too long.
Inspired by Disney’s 100-year anniversary, the movie ties together the theme of most Disney films: wishes coming true. With veteran filmmakers Fawn Veerasunthorn (“Frozen,” “Moana,” “Zootopia,” and “Raya and the Last Dragon”) and Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up,” “Pocahontas,” ‘Home on the Range,” and “Frozen”) at the helm, the animated drama had potential. Afterall, Buck won an Oscar for best animated feature in 2014 for Frozen II. However, Wish was Veerasunthorn’s directing debut – Buck co-directed – and their success with previous animated films did not transfer to Wish.
The plot of the movie revolves around Asha, a young girl who requests all wishes be granted. She needs the help of Star, a small ball of limitless and strong energy. With Star’s support, Asha can free her kingdom from King Magnifico, who prevents wishes from coming true. Asha’s bravery and determination come to the forefront as she works with Star to defeat the king.
Although the individual characters and plot elements may be unique, overall, the film simply lacks originality. As the main character, Asha resembles Disney princess Rapunzel, using a sarcastic voice and venturing on a similar quest. Asha is dependent on stars while Rapunzel is drawn to the lamps of her kingdom, but these lights in the sky are essentially the same thing.
From the beginning, the plot was predictable. The film has too many similarities to previous Disney animations. For example, Asha’s seven friends were inspired by Snow White’s seven dwarves, even their names and outfits. The character Star is every other Disney sidekick while he just repeated the plot and characteristics of prior Disney movies. The sidekick, Star tries to help the main character, Asha, solve her problems, which has also been done in other Disney movies.
“Wish“ may be an interesting movie for younger kids, but it was not for me. The film was very predictable from the beginning, and it lacked suspense. I expect a better storyline with some unique aspects from
I felt that Ariana DeBose, who played Asha, was the best actor in this movie. All the acting was realistic. The actors’ voices fit their characters. The actors’ skills showed when they knew when to change their tone of voice. The animation was exceptionally good, and the watercolor background was beautiful.
Each character had a unique costume that fit them and their activities. “Wish” is full of color and is based on the atmosphere and mood. The sounds are appropriate and are timed exactly right. In “Wish” there are over 100 Easter eggs symbolizing a new and intriguing adventure while celebrating Disney’s centennial.
Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice created a strong “Wish” soundtrack. The song “Knowing What I Know Now,” was my favorite song throughout the movie and was the song that made the biggest connection to the plot. All the music was exceedingly good.
I think that Veerasunthorn, Buck and Disney were unsuccessful in achieving their purpose of “Wish.” It was very repetitive, predictable, and frankly, boring. I would give this movie a 2.5-star rating.
