Disney’s “Wish” is an easter egg filled tribute to the studio’s 100 year history. Following in the footsteps of many classic Disney musicals, the film features the vocal stylings of Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose (“West Side Story“) as Asha. She finds herself at odds with the ruler of Rosas, the kingdom where she resides. Reigning over Rosas is King Magnifico, voiced by Chris Pine (“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”), who has a monopoly on magic.
He occasionally puts his powers to good by granting the wishes of the denizens of his domain. Though in order to do so, he keeps their ultimate wishes vaulted. The concept of the film is straightforward enough. The music (with original songs by Julia Michaels) is catchy. “You’re a Star” is bound to be an earworm that may or may not terrorize parents. Though we have to say potentially not quite on the same level as a “Let it Go” or a “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”
We’d argue the real star of the show is Star, a literal cosmic force come to life to help out Asha. With expressions taken from Mickey Mouse’s reference, Star merch is going to be on a lot of kids (and adults) wish lists this holiday season.
Paying Tribute
Eagle-eyed Disney Animation history buffs will spot a smorgasbord of nods and homages to the studios history and influences. At an event for “Wish” held at Walt Disney Animation studios, co-director Fawn Veerasunthorn described it as:
“I see that as a collective love letter. A thank you letter, to Walt [Disney], and to artists that came before us. All the inspiration we have gotten, we want to put it back in. I hope (for) the audience when they see it, it’s like a dose of delight. And reminds you of your old friends.”
Producer Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones noted the number of hidden surprises and homages is over 100.
The story itself occasionally feels too templated out of trod upon territory for the studio. At times opting for an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach. Also the visual style, which often feels like a blend of old school 2D paintings with 3D touches didn’t always feel finished to us.
Overall it’s still clearly a celebration of a century of films that feels like coming home.
“Wish” also features the voice talents of Alan Tudyk, Victor Garber, Natasha Rothwell, Jennifer Kumiyama, Evan Peters, Harvey Guillén, Ramy Youseff, Niko Vargas, Della Saba, and Jon Rudnitsky. It’s co-directed by Chris Buck and Veerasunthorn, and has a screenplay from Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore.
More about “Wish”:
Set in the kingdom of Rosas, Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it’s answered by a cosmic force—a ball of boundless energy called Star. Asha and Star confront the formidable King Magnifico to prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
“Wish” is in theaters November 22, 2023.
