Review: Disney Animation’s ‘Wish’ with Ariana DeBose & Alan Tudyk
by Manuel São Bento
December 10, 2023
Like many children born in the 1990s, I was blessed with the many animated wonders of Disney, shaped by numerous heartwarming, educational stories. Now, as an adult, I still maintain high levels of enthusiasm and anticipation for each new Disney Animation release, especially original movies. Under the guidance of directors Chris Buck (director on Tarzan, Surf’s Up, Frozen, Frozen II) & Fawn Veerasunthorn (head of story on Raya and the Last Dragon), two well-known names in animation with multiple creative at the studio, Wish combines the storytelling craftsmanship of the former, with the exciting directorial debut of Veerasunthorn, whose previous credits involve valuable contributions to many of Disney’s beloved stories.
The premise of Disney Animation’s Wish follows many typical studio formulas, for better or worse. In the magical kingdom of Rosas, the 17-year-old protagonist, Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose), a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it’s answered by a cosmic force – a little star of boundless energy called “Star.” Together, Asha and Star face the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico, to save their community and show that when the courageous will of a human connects with the magic of the stars, anything can happen.
Only from this synopsis, it’s relatively easy to predict most of what will happen in the movie. The narrative structure of Wish proves to be, to some extent, a tribute to Disney’s legacy. On one hand, this choice evokes a nostalgic longing bringing back a simplistic villain with basic motivations, something that many admirers of Disney’s Renaissance Era will appreciate. On the other hand, it remains a traditional formula with several limitations, hindering the exploration of bolder, more surprising narrative paths. Buck and Veerasunthorn execute their ideas well but rely too much on the central theme and character to tell their story – a factor that, for many viewers, is the key difference between it being a rewarding or disappointing experience.
That said, at the heart of Wish, we find a beautiful, powerful message about the importance of wishes in our lives, a theme that resonates with both younger and older audiences. Wishes are intrinsic to our souls, and without them, we lose purpose and meaning in life. The pursuit of what we desire and dream of is presented in this story as the catalyst for true freedom, highlighting how our relentless will to pursue our goals, whether improvised or long-term, is crucial for personal fulfillment and genuine happiness.
Further exploring this theme, Wish also delves into the complexities of the personal discovery journey we all undergo at some point in our lives, represented by the protagonist. Asha, portrayed with wonderful charm by DeBose (Academy Award winner for West Side Story), is the living embodiment of the wishes that shape our identity. Her arc is an emotional dance – often literally – between uncertainty and determination, emphasizing how personal wishes aren’t mere impulses but essential elements for everyone’s transformative journey. DeBose, with her powerful voice, gives the character an authenticity that touches the hearts of the audience, making Asha’s trajectory a captivating focal point within the otherwise generic narrative.
In fact, the voice cast is one of the strengths of Wish. Chris Pine, taking on the role of the cliche villain, delivers one of those performances where any viewer can tell that the actor had a blast recording the film, adding an amusingly sinister touch to his lines. Alan Tudyk is another household name as a voice actor contributing greatly with his comedic ability, providing many hilarious moments – there’s an unexpected chicken sequence that left me laughing long after it finished – as the new toy destined to fill Disney store shelves. The diversity of voices and the convincing delivery of the various actors are commendable.
Naturally, an animated flick from this particular studio cannot exist without plenty of original songs. The music of Wish features a score by Dave Metzger (Once Upon a Studio) with beautiful melodies that fit well into the magical world of Rosas, but the spotlight is on the songs that are written by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice. While there are one or two less inspired moments – the villain’s musical sequence didn’t convince me, and several songs have verses with too many words, creating an occasionally awkward rhythm – the timing of the songs is precise, as the lyrics are thematically rich and critical for the development of characters, necessary world-building, and explanation of certain plot details. Personally, it’s hard not to pick This Wish as the standout, which promises to become a new fan favorite.
As for the animation itself, Wish offers the expected in terms of visual quality while also crafted with a risky, somewhat innovative approach for the studio. The combination of painted 2D drawings, serving as stunning background scenery, with classic 3D designs for all of the characters, generates a unique aesthetic for the movie. The decision to focus the action exclusively on the city of Rosas is also a breath of fresh air, deviating from the common trend in animated movies of presenting numerous remote locations and characters. This choice strengthens the cohesion of the plot and the audience’s immersion in a singular environment.
Final Thoughts
Disney Animation’s Wish is a magical journey about the vitality of personal wishes and the importance of pursuing those same dreams. Although the narrative follows a familiar structure and doesn’t delve beyond the central theme, the nostalgia it evokes is certainly appreciated. Ariana DeBose’s powerful voice embodies the inspiring determination of the protagonist, leading a talented cast in a movie marked by its beautiful blend of 2D and 3D animation, as well as original songs that, for the most part, will win over the audience. It’s another charming chapter in Disney’s vast library, offering a pleasant experience for fans of all ages.
Manuel’s Rating: B
Follow Manuel on Twitter – @msbreviews / Or Letterboxd – @msbreviews
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