Wish – A Thin Throwback Animated Feature

The US Thanksgiving long weekend has been a prime window for Disney to release what they believe to be their big animated contenders. With Disney celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, the pressure is on Wish to follow in the footsteps of the many successful films that have preceded it. Employing hybrid animation, using 3D characters in 2D environments, the film is a refreshing throwback and an ode to the studio. Also with musical elements, these films could often be a mixed bag as the formula to make the next hit song (or songs) is not a precise science. In order for these films to be successful, they have to work hand-in-hand. While the combination is sure to connect with a large part of audiences, it didn’t work here as lackluster songs (except for the big musical number features across the film’s trailers and promotional material) and a thin story and characters make for a film that fails to stand out from the pack. Obviously not part of the target demographic, these issues are unlikely to register with younger audiences but one can’t help but want more.

Wish is set in the magical island kingdom of Rosas. Built by the magical King Magnifico (Pine), the kingdom was meant to be an inclusive refuge where all people from all over the land can come and be safe under his protection. What made him stand out even more was his power to grant wishes. However, this ability proved to not be that simple. Asha (DeBose), a headstrong teen who cared deeply about her family and community, happened to learn that truth and as a result, sought a different way. Wishing upon a star, one answered in a way that she least expected. Joined by a limitless cutesy ball of energy known as Star, alongside Asha’s loyal goat Valentino (Tudyk), made for a fun dynamic for audiences over the course of the film. Where the film ultimately faltered, was the material that surrounded them. Clearly drawing a line between Asha and Magnifico, it was up to her and her ragtag group of friends to stop him and save Rosas before it was too late. On paper, the story reads as rather simple and for the most part, it is. Audiences can of course expect plenty of hijinks and musical numbers to deliver some entertainment but they are not quite enough to distract from its inherent thinness.

A musical, the film merely feels like a series of musical numbers tied together by a thin story. Though not necessarily a flaw in theory, its lackluster songs work against the film. Writing aside, their inorganic nature was another strike against them. Recycling overused themes, they served little purpose other than attempting to give the film its one standout moment. That being said, “This Wish” is a worthy standout moment (thanks to DeBose’s voice) but had it played it more straight, the film would arguably have fared better. Not bringing anything new to the table, its predictability shouldn’t come as a surprise. It seemingly setting an outcome and working backwards from there to create its narrative makes most of what happens forgettable. Meanwhile, running at a brisk 95 minutes, rushing to get to that destination only accentuates the issue.

Watching the film, its setting and characters both had potential. However, they were essentially a means to an end instead of a focal point. Outside of Asha, Valentino, and Star, the characters are just as forgettable, including Magnifico. A thin character, he doesn’t leave much of an impression which is disappointing. Other than a few funny and/or endearing moments, Wish feels like more of the same for better or worse. The better in that equation is the animation. Its style may not be for everyone but its use of detailed 3D characters within detailed 2D environments was a nice change of pace and beautiful to look at. The magical effects were also a highlight. In the end, the best part of the film was its performances. Working in service of the script, some overcame it better than others. DeBose brought just the right energy to Asha to make the character worthy to rally behind. Along those lines, Tudyk and his comedic timing were perfect for Valentino. A miscast Pine didn’t fit Magnifico though the film did not give him much of a chance to make his mark as the villain.

At the end of the day, Wish is a beautiful animated throwback that boasts more style than substance, resting on a thin foundation and Debose’s dynamic performance.

still courtesy of Disney

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.