Make a wish and have it instantly granted – if only it were that easy. While the enticing idea forms the basis of the Disney animated feature Wish, things of course aren’t quite that straightforward.
Magnifico (the voice of Chris Pine) has studied the magic of the world, and soon becomes a mighty sorcerer and king. He builds a great castle on an island to where anyone can come and feel safe. But in return for the king holds on to their wishes for safe keeping. From time to time, Magnifico holds wishing ceremonies and grants a small number of those wishes. Mind you, in some cases, including Simon’s (Evan Peters), the real essence of who a person is dissipated when they hand over their wish. Further, all memory of every wish vanishes the moment it is gifted to the king.
A bright and bubbly 17-year-old, Asha (Ariana DeBose), is about to be interviewed by Magnifico to become his apprentice. Her father – a philosopher – passed when she was 12, but told her everyone is connected to the stars. She would like nothing more than to see her grandfather Sabino’s (Victor Garber) wish granted on his 100th birthday. But when she puts that to Magnifico, his mood changes and he says it is far too dangerous to enact because of the potential consequences. The same goes for most of the other wishes he is holding.
Asha quickly comes to realise that Magnifico has, in fact, stolen people’s dreams to maintain power and control. When Asha wishes on a star, the rest of the kingdom and a world of possibilities opens up. That includes hearing all the animals of the kingdom of Rosas, including Asha’s pet goat Valentino (Alan Tudyk), speak English for the first time. Magnifico is enraged and plots to control the glowing light known as Star. It’s up to Asha to continue to stand for what’s right.
With some cute characters and bright animation, Wish is eminently watchable, but not as engaging or endearing as the best of Disney. I can only put that down to the plotting that didn’t resonate as much for me. Asha’s inherent goodness and her willingness to fight for what’s fair makes her aspirational and a role model for the kids. She dares to dream big picture. As with many of Disney’s sidekicks, Valentino is given some cute lines, although – overall – I would have liked more laughs.
Magnifico takes his place alongside the studio’s other villains when he embraces forbidden magic. Star makes her mark in a communicative, but nonspeaking role, being a beacon of hope. She harks back to the nostalgia on which Disney was built.
While Wish is no Snow White, The Lion King, or Frozen, it still has some moments to savour.
Alex First
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Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.