Disney’s latest animation film is filled with magic that only Disney can conjure up and is so emblematic of the movies they create. Wish tells the story of Asha, a good-hearted daughter and granddaughter whose only wish is to see her mother and grandfather’s wishes be granted. Disillusioned to find the wish granter/ruler of the kingdom of Rosas, King Magnifico, is nothing but a power-hungry villain, she must turn to magic itself, placing her hopes, dreams, and wishes on a shooting star – a star that comes to life to change not only her family’s life but those of all the people of Rosas.
This film has a cute and fun storyline reminiscent of the classic Disney Animation Studio classics we know and love. I felt a sense of nostalgia while watching the film as it reminded me of my childhood watching Disney movies. There are even fun easter eggs embedded throughout the film that are a throwback to the classics, making the whole watching experience incredibly fun.
The musical numbers in the film are also memorable. Wish has original songs by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice, with the score by composer Dave Metzger.
The actors behind the voices give phenomenal performances. Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose kills it as the voice behind Asha, and her musical rendition of “This Wish” is fantastic and has already reached the TikTok Billboard Top 50 per USA Today. Chris Pine also gives a great vocal performance as the voice of King Magnifico. His villain song “This is the Thanks I Get?” was a fan favorite for the photo booth at the world premiere. Alan Tudyk gives a fun performance as the voice behind the super cute and mischievous Valentino, Asha’s goat sidekick. Other notable performances are those of Asha’s friends voiced by Jennifer Kumiyama (Dahlia), Evan Peters (Simon), Harvey Guillén (Gabo), Ramy Youssef (Safi), Niko Vargas (Hal), Della Saba (Bazeema), Jon Rudnitsky (Dario), and Angelique Cabral (Queen Amaya).
The director behind the two Frozen movies, Oscar winner Chris Buck, directed Wish alongside Raya and the Last Dragon director Fawn Veerasunthorn. Peter Del Vecho and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones produced the film. Jennifer Lee executive produced it, and Lee and Allison Moore wrote the screenplay with Buck.
Wish is a must-watch and lands in theaters just in time for Thanksgiving week on Nov. 22.
