Disney's Wish Spoiler Review: A Celebration of the 100th Year, But Where's the Soul?
Disney's WISH is a new animated feature film commemorating 100 Years of Disney. However, despite its creative art style and promising premise, the movie fails to capture the magic and charm we associate with Disney films.
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Voice Cast:-
Ariana DeBose as Asha
Chris Pine as King Magnifico
Alan Tudyk as Valentino
Angelique Cabral as Queen Amaya
Victor Garber as Sabino
Natasha Rothwell as Sakina
Evan Peters as Simon
Release Date:- November 22, 2023 (In Theaters)
Directors:- Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn
Screenplay by:- Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore
Running time:- 95 minutes
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Plot Synopsis (Wish Spoilers Ahead)
On an island in the Mediterranean Sea, King Magnifico and his wife, Queen Amaya, found the kingdom of Rosas. Magnifico can grant wishes to his subjects thanks to his knowledge of sorcery. When each Rosas resident turns 18, they give up their greatest wish to Magnifico at a ceremony, which he keeps in his observatory until he can fulfill them. Magnifico selects one of the citizens' wishes to be granted before the city every month.
Asha, a 17-year-old, is about to interview for the position of Magnifico's apprentice on the day of her grandfather Sabino's 100th birthday. She hopes Magnifico will grant Sabino's wish in celebration. The interview goes well initially, with Magnifico and Asha expressing their desire to protect Rosas's wishes. However, Magnifico refuses when Asha requests Sabino's wish to be granted. It is then revealed that Magnifico only grants a select few wishes, erasing the memories of all the unfulfilled wishes and rendering the populace docile and dependent on Magnifico. Asha is shocked and appalled by this revelation, which makes Magnifico hostile towards her.
At the evening wish-granting ceremony, Magnifico refuses to grant Sabino's wish to spite Asha. Asha tries to tell her family about Magnifico's true nature, but they don't believe her. Heartbroken, Asha runs away and wishes for a star, which falls from the sky and turns into an anthropomorphic ball of light, which she calls Star. Unbeknownst to Asha, Magnifico sees Star's arrival as threatening his power. Against Amaya's wishes, Magnifico searches his ancient spell books to counter Star's magic.
Star's magic brings the forest to life, with animals and plants gaining voices. Asha, Valentino, her pet goat, and Star embark on a mission to recover Sabino's wish with help from Dahlia, Asha's best friend. Magnifico puts a bounty on information about Star. During a public appearance, the residents of Rosas begin to question Magnifico's rule for the first time. Magnifico, agitated, turns to dark magic to maintain his power.
Asha returns Sabino's wish, which makes him ecstatic to have his memories back. But Magnifico bursts into their home, informed by a mole that Asha is responsible for Star's arrival. Magnifico punishes her mother Sakina's wish, leaving her devastated. Star tries to defend Asha, but Magnifico spots it and vows to capture Star. Asha and her family flee with Star. Sabino and Sakina sail to a neighboring island, while Asha returns to the city in search of the other wishes. Magnifico reveals that Asha's friend Simon was the mole who exposed her and granted Simon's wish to become a knight, rendering him loyal to Magnifico.
By absorbing the energy of more wishes, Magnifico creates an all-powerful staff. Asha and Dahlia, with their five friends, Bazeema, Dario, Gabo, Hal, and Safi, march towards Magnifico's study, joined by Amaya. Now fully corrupted, Magnifico ascends the castle's tower and absorbs the power of every wish in Rosas. While the forest animals fight Simon, Asha battles Magnifico, who traps Star in his staff and blocks out the stars in the sky. Asha remembers that all humans come from stardust and urges the citizens of Rosas to make a wish. They do so, and their desire overpowers Magnifico, sealing him in his staff. Star is released, and the people of Rosas are free to pursue their wishes independently.
Amaya takes charge of Rosas, and Magnifico is locked up in the castle's dungeon, trapped in a mirror. Simon apologizes to his friends, who forgive him. Star gives Asha a cloak and a magic wand. Asha vows to continue Star's mission and grant wishes justly.
A Dull and Lifeless Adventure
Disney's WISH feels dull, boring, and bland, with forgettable characters and a lack of emotional connection. The main character's quest to expose the fraud running the kingdom fails to engage the audience, as the movie lacks a strong connection between the protagonist and the supporting characters. The group of friends feels more like friendly acquaintances than close buddies, resulting in a lack of genuine friendship and camaraderie.
Missed Opportunities with Humor and Jokes
One area where Disney's WISH falls flat is its humor. The jokes in the movie fail to land well, leaving the audience longing for genuine laughter. The group of friends, supposed to provide comic relief, comes across as boring and useless. The movie lacks the wit and charm that we have come to expect from Disney animations.
Uninspiring Music and Lack of Memorable Moments
While the music in Disney's WISH is average overall, one song stands out. However, the soundtrack as a whole fails to leave a lasting impression. The movie lacks memorable moments that make audiences want to own the soundtrack. The reliance on references to past Disney movies feels overdone and lacks originality, detracting from the potential of creating a new and captivating adventure.
A Celebration of the 100th Year, But Where's the Soul?
Disney's WISH appears more like a sterile celebration of the 100th year of Disney rather than a genuine celebration of Disney's legacy. While it tries to incorporate elements from classic Disney films, it fails to capture their essence, coming across as robotic and lacking passion. The movie doesn't recreate the magic that made us fall in love with Disney's earlier works.
Conclusion
Disney's WISH fails to deliver a captivating experience despite its creative art style. The lackluster characters, humor, and music, coupled with a focus on past references rather than original storytelling, result in a movie that lacks the Soul and magic synonymous with Disney animations.
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