Celebrating their centennial anniversary, Walt Disney Animation Studios have been responsible for the cinematic upbringing of many generations now, with their timeless classics being foundational memories as audiences are transported into various fantastical worlds full of magic. It basically was a guarantee that in celebration of this momentous occasion the studio would pull out all their tricks and tools in order to not just show audiences how far they’ve come and withstood the test of time, but to serve as an amalgamation of 100 years of animation and stories. And while there are absolutely elements of Wish that seem like that was the intention, unfortunately the final product is an ironic case of a movie about magic… that has none of that Disney magic about it.
In the Kingdom of Rosas, Asha (Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose) has one wish – to become an apprentice of the great sorcerer and King, Magnifico (Chris Pine), who has dedicated his life to protecting the physical manifestation of the wishes of the townspeople, of which he takes from them when they turn 18 in order to grant them later on in their lives. However, when Asha’s interview goes awry and the chance for her to try and have her 100-year-old grandfather’s wish granted, she turns to wishing upon a star for a second chance. A star that literally falls from the sky and sets Asha on a journey, alongside her now talking baby goat, Valentino (Alan Tudyk), that leads to a far more sinister discovery about the wishes that Magnifico claims to be protecting.
One of the elements that Walt Disney Animation Studios’ has implemented as a somewhat homage to the early days of animation is by having 3D animated characters and sceneries, that have been coloured in 2D style of shading. There’s an interesting clash of visual styles on display, and while the intention was homage to the films of old, the result is distracting. There are moments where this unique animation style works, but it never pops visually as much as most recent Disney animated films (or other production companies films) have, especially since there is the use of 3D animated technology. The animation is by no means bad, it’s just noticeable in a way that is detrimental to the intention.
Outside of Wish’s unique visual aesthetic, the film ticks a lot of the boxes on the ‘Disney animated film’ checklist. Wish is a musical, and when given the chance to shine, Ariana DeBose’s powerful voice bellows out of the screen with such passion and conviction. Even Chris Pine has a couple of memorable moments in his solo tunes. But sadly, none of the songs, despite the best attempts from the cast, have the heart and soul of such timeless classics like The Lion King’s ‘Circle of Life’ or, even more recently, Frozen’s ‘Let It Go’. It also feels like there is no fanfare leading up to the musical moments in the film, rather they feel like smorgasbord additions that are shoehorned into a narrative that doesn’t really require a song and dance to progress the story. And again, much like the animation, the songs are not bad, they’re just comparatively not as memorable.
The next point on the checklist that is ticked, but doesn’t necessarily do anything to help create substance, is the cavalcade of supporting characters (both human and animal) that surround Asha. Asha has 7 friends. And for this story, that is too many to care about each unique problem and characteristic they have. The idea of a large chosen family who cares for each other is a sweet foundation for emotional investment, but because that is not the focus of Wish and Asha’s story, it feels like an underutilised element thrown to the wayside. And the sheer quantity of people in Asha’s life doesn’t allow for her as character to have any meaningful connection with them. And then there is the talking animal sidekick, Valentino, who is voiced by Disney crazed animal veteran Alan Tudyk, who in fairness provides the majority of the comedic relief throughout the film and is also arguably the character with the greatest connection with Asha… and happens to not be a human at all.
There’s no denying the commitment from Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine to their characters in Wish, and their performances are the shining light in this below average feature. The disappointment lies in the potential wasted for the performances that they give. That feeling also extends to the conflict between their of characters of Asha and Magnifico. Asha discovering Magnifico’s true colours early in the story adds a decent level of tension between them, and not saving that for a twist reveal later on in the film serves the story in a way that creates a necessary level engagement into their relationship, leading to a serviceable story.
In a desperate attempt to capatilise on the Disney nostalgia, characters and cues from Disney films of the past make appearances throughout the film, but nothing ever feels like it was placed in the film for any other reason than for audiences to go, “Look, it’s the horse from Tangled.” And its unfortunately that hollow inclusion of forced nostalgia that is the cherry on top of a mediocre attempt at recreating the magic of Disney that we all know and love.
For a studio that has had as many wins as Walt Disney Animation Studios, the fact that something as average as Wish was released for their centennial anniversary is quite baffling. Each element, whether it’s the unique animation style, the music, and the performances, are by no means terribly made, but for some reason never add up to a whole that feels worthy of not just Disney’s standards, but the standards of something that is a celebration of 100 years of work and animation evolution. Wish is a movie about magic, that has none to it.
Wish is in Australia cinemas on Boxing Day.
