Despite the mixed-to-negative reviews from critics, Wish is a terrific film that perfectly celebrates Disney’s centennial.
Overall Score: 9/10
Image: Walt Disney Animation Studios / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Set in the fictional fairytale Kingdom of Rosas, Disney’s Wish follows Asha, a 17-year-old girl who, after discovering a dark secret about the nature of her home and its ruler, King Magnifico, wishes for a way to save all that she holds dear.
It’s a simple plot, I know. But, hey, Wish is good! Look, all those people people hating on it? I’m sorry, but they’re crazy. Yes, sure, because it’s been billed as the culmination of 100 years of Disney storytelling, it might, at first glance, seem like another lazy cash grab. But honestly, the film is so much more than that. And if you ask me, Wish easily ranks among this year’s best animated movies.
First of all, the voice acting in this film is fantastic. Ariana DeBose is delightful as Asha and does a solid job of conveying various emotions and imbuing her with qualities like kindness, charm, likability, and braveness. And her singing… Boy, is it phenomenal. Throughout the movie, DeBose’s vocals perfectly and simultaneously capture Asha’s caring and sensitive nature while embracing her unbreakable sense of determination. Her rendition of “This Wish” is one of several good examples of this, and I’d argue that her work here (though slightly different in terms of surrounding medium) is almost, if not equally, as impressive as what she did in her Oscar-winning turn in 2021’s West Side Story.
Chris Pine (who plays the villain) is also great in the film. As Magnifico, Pine is convincingly charming yet incredibly vain, egotistical, arrogant, and selfish. Furthermore, whenever it’s required of him, Pine effectively emulates the many different mannerisms synonymous with some of Disney’s most famous villains — think intermittent emotional outbursts and evil laughter. Oh, and if you ask me, his singing’s also pretty good.
And since we’re already on the topic of villains, I have to say that I legitimately don’t understand the hate for Magnifico. Sure, maybe he doesn’t get a ton of development, but isn’t that the point? Just think about it. Nearly all of Disney’s classic villains don’t have a reason for doing bad things. They’re just pure evil. And yes, though categorizing Magnifico as such may be a little problematic (considering how he’s given a bit of a sympathetic backstory), I think he’s nonetheless a welcome return and homage to the traditional Disney villains of the past.
Next, like all Disney films, Wish deals with several profound and meaningful themes. For instance, through wishing, it advocates for freedom and free will, arguing that no one has the right to say or decide what we can or cannot dream of and do. Meanwhile, there are also explorations of other, perhaps touchier themes like corruption and the dangers of blind faith. And while one could certainly argue that Wish could’ve or should’ve done more to flesh out some of its ideas, I think it deserves credit for tackling these heavy issues nonetheless.
Another positive thing about Wish is its fantastic soundtrack. Obviously, the standout number is “This Wish,” which, for my money, is — along with its reprisal — one of the best Disney “I Want” songs in recent memory. Also, “At All Costs” is a beautiful duet, while “Welcome to Rosas,” “I'm a Star,” “This Is the Thanks I Get?!,” and “Knowing What I Know Now” are all fun in their own separate ways. And sure, maybe the end credits track “A Wish Worth Making” is a little schmaltzy, but who cares? I love it regardless.
All right, considering everything I’ve said so far, I think it’s clear that I believe Wish is a great movie. In fact, I think it proves that even a century later, Disney (despite, in recent years, stumbling here and there along the way) still hasn’t lost its touch. But what truly sets Wish apart is that it also serves as a love letter to the many Disney animated films that came before it. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi, Sleeping Beauty, Pocahontas, Tarzan, Tangled… You name it. From beginning to end, Wish amusingly and cleverly references just about anything you can think of. Furthermore, what better way to celebrate the House of Mouse’s centennial than by making a movie about the wishing star and the importance of wishes? Like it or not, that’s pure genius!
All in all, Wish, although not perfect, is an outstanding film. It’s a movie I wasn’t expecting to enjoy (especially given the recent onslaught of mixed-to-negative reviews), but I’m glad I did. If you’re a Disney fan, do see it on the big screen if you can. And remember, don’t listen to the critics. They’re crazy.
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