Review: Wish (Disney 100 Celebration)

In recent years, it has become trendy for everyone to criticize the Walt Disney Company as much as humanly possible. In many cases, it is justified, but these criticisms are unfounded regarding Wish, Disney's tribute film to their 100-year animation legacy. This is a movie that provides Disney fans with everything they have been asking, begging, and wishing of the studio for years. It is a beautifully animated original story that is all heart with no pandering and is neither a sequel nor a remake. Since the movie is also an homage to the Disney animation of the past, it is packed with subtle Easter eggs that only true Disney fans will notice and are not obnoxiously in your face like some of their previous attempts with Wreck-It Ralph 2 or Chip'n Dale: Rescue Rangers. In fact, this movie was so entertaining that it got me thinking about the characters on a deeper level than the writers may have even intended long after I left the theater.

As previewed in the trailers, Wish tells the story of Asha, an ordinary girl living in the extraordinary kingdom of Rosas, where the people's wishes are regularly extracted from their souls and given as offerings to Sorcerer King, Magnifico, in the hopes that he will one day grant them. Asha has a botched interview to be Magnifico's new apprentice with the somewhat self-serving motivation of granting her grandfather's wish for his 100th birthday when she learns that Magnifico has no intention of granting most of the wishes he collects. Instead, he keeps them safe in his castle so their owners can forget them and not have to experience the pain of longing for something that will never happen the way that he did in his childhood. Magnifico and Asha have different perspectives on what is best for Rosas. Though neither of them is entirely wrong, learning the truth prompts Asha to summon a magical wishing star with the potential to return the people's wishes, rousing Magnifico's wrath and turning him into a classic Disney villain when he is corrupted by dark magic from a forbidden book.

There are many things to love about this movie in addition to the unique plot that is inspired by Disney's history of heartfelt musicals about chasing your dreams rather than an old fairy tale. The CGI animation is blended with a unique watercolor-inspired filter to give the movie more of a classic look that is reminiscent of the hand-drawn films of the past that many people grew up with, myself included. Watching it on a big screen enhances this effect through a subtle canvas-like paper texture underneath every frame that is virtually invisible when viewing it on a smaller screen. There are also faint outlines around each character and object, creating a similar effect to the first season of Sofia the First. Many visuals throughout the film weave in references to memorable scenes from the animated Disney movies of the past hundred years, including Princess Aurora's enchanted dress, the glowing green hands that ripped out Ariel's voice, the Fairy Godmother's cloak and wand, and the opening title screen of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The film is a visual feast for anyone who has ever enjoyed a Disney movie in the past. It even includes a subtle nod to Disney Television Animation.

One unique element that Wish introduced is a love interest for the villain. There was so much potential for Queen Amaya to provide a compelling story of heartbreak and the power of true love that had never been done in a Disney movie before. Unfortunately, this opportunity was squandered by making her a one-note MacGuffin who showed very little remorse toward Magnifico's transition to evil or the inevitable punishment that resulted from it. As a long-time fan of Sofia the First, I have been very compelled by the idea of a story in which an innocent maiden is able to reform an evil sorcerer, but this was not that story. I hope that the inclusion of a love interest for the villain can lay the groundwork for more complex relationships in future Disney movies. Though Amaya falls flat as a character, I loved that both Asha and Magnifico wanted to do what was right for Rosas and could have easily switched roles as the hero and villain of the story if their circumstances had been different. Asha initially wanted to benefit her own family and performed some questionable actions when she decided to betray Magnifico. Likewise, Magnifico was misguided by his traumatic past and thought he was doing what was right for Rosas and might have succeeded if Amaya had gotten through to him.

Wish stands as a refreshing departure from the wave of criticism facing Disney in recent years. The movie offers fans a heartfelt and original story, free from the overbearing references that have characterized some of the studio's past works. The homage to Disney's animation legacy is woven into the film's DNA, evident in its beautifully animated original story and subtle Easter eggs that remain true to the spirit of Disney. The film's unique visuals, blending CGI animation with a watercolor-inspired filter, provide a classic look reminiscent of hand-drawn films of the past. Furthermore, Wish introduces unique elements, such as a love interest for the villain, hinting at the potential for more complex relationships in future Disney movies. Despite some missed opportunities in character development, the film's exploration of the conflicting perspectives of its main characters adds depth and nuance to the narrative, leaving viewers pondering the story long after leaving the theater. Overall, Wish serves as a testament to Disney's ability to evoke nostalgia while forging new ground, offering a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience for audiences.