Review: 'Wish' is a pedestrian attempt at celebrating Walt Disney's 100th anniversary

George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read
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In “Wish,” sharp-witted idealist Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose) makes a wish so powerful, it’s answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star.
In “Wish,” sharp-witted idealist Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose) makes a wish so powerful, it’s answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star.
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“Wish,” the latest film from Walt Disney Studios Animation, is a tribute to the 100 years of memories the company has created.

Walt Disney Studios began with wanting to thrill children, and “Wish” most certainly is for the young ones – and there’s nothing wrong with that.

The company returns to its roots with “Wish,” which hit theaters nationwide Wednesday, in a familiar yet flipped formula. The movie includes the expected musical numbers, but also a modern sensibility.

What’s different? After years of ensuring that Disney films work on multiple levels for both children and adults, the filmmakers behind “Wish” make it feel as if adults were the least of their concern.

“Wish” tells the story of Asha (Oscar winner Ariana DeBose), a teen living in the kingdom of Rosas, a land ruled by Magnifico (Chris Pine), an allegedly benevolent sorcerer who grants wishes for certain citizens at his leisure. Those wishes, willingly shared with him upon an individual’s 18th birthday, are stored in his laboratory.

Asha wants nothing more than to be Magnifico’s apprentice but soon learns the emperor has no clothes after interviewing for the position. After requesting that he grant one wish in particular, he reveals a side darker than he presents publicly.

More: 'Wish' movie: We've got your exclusive peek at Disney's talking-animals song 'I'm a Star'

In a fit of despair, Asha wishes on a star and essentially brings it to living form. When Magnifico learns of its existence, he, of course, must have its power. By this time, he’s given up all pretense of being good and allows power to, as it does to many others, corrupt him.

“Wish” is a basic fairy tale that knows its audience and plays to it without guilt. The filmmakers behind it – directors Chris Buck (“Frozen”) and Fawn Veerasunthorn, making her directorial debut – take Buck’s script, co-written with Jennifer Lee (“Frozen”) and Allison Moore (“Manhunt”), and pay homage to 100 years of Disney’s existence as a filmmaking entity.

In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish,” King Magnifico (Chris Pine) is the most powerful person in the kingdom of Rosas, where wishes really do come true.
In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish,” King Magnifico (Chris Pine) is the most powerful person in the kingdom of Rosas, where wishes really do come true.

The references to the studio’s past efforts pop up consistently throughout the movie, with “Bambi” and “Peter Pan” among those. Of course, the most prominent one comes in wishing upon a star, bringing to mind one of the studio's iconic tunes.

Unfortunately, there’s no memorable song among the seven presented in “Wish.” Written by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice, they all sound pedestrian and don’t evoke any sense of emotion.

In that regard, they reflect the overall feel of “Wish.” It’s OK, but it won’t be joining the list of the studio’s classics.

George M. Thomas dabbles in movies and television for the Beacon Journal.

In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish,” Asha is invited to see where King Magnifico keeps all of the wishes given to him by those in his kingdom. The movie features the voices of Academy Award-winning actress Ariana DeBose as Asha and Chris Pine as King Magnifico.
In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish,” Asha is invited to see where King Magnifico keeps all of the wishes given to him by those in his kingdom. The movie features the voices of Academy Award-winning actress Ariana DeBose as Asha and Chris Pine as King Magnifico.

Review

Movie: “Wish”

Cast: Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk, Victor Garber

Directed by: Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn

Running time: 1 hour 32 minutes

Rated: PG for thematic elements and mild action.

Grade: C+

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Review: 'Wish' is a so-so attempt at celebrating Disney's centennial