Once upon a time, there was a man with an idea. That idea was to make an animated film, the first ever animated film too, with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. What that man didn’t realise was what kind of legacy he was creating at the time. Fast forward one hundred years and that man is known all around the world, from kids to grandparents, and that man is Walt Disney. Walt Disney’s ambition, his drive, has influenced every story that the studio has produced. Disney is now a brand, almost like a genre, and when you hear Disney you have your own expectations and reservations but one thing is certain - it is going to be magical. Disney has crafted so many stories based on fairy tales and fables to the point where you wonder what stories are left to be adapted, but they’ve done something they rarely do. Disney has created a brand new original story with Wish.
Disney’s Wish is a story based on the iconic phrase, “When you wish upon a star”, and the whole film has been designed on that premise. A young woman, Asha, wishes upon a star in a kingdom where the villainous King Magnifico steals and hoards the wishes of the people for his own nefarious means. King Magnifico relies on this for his powers and his magic, and this lonely wish from Asha has threatened his power and his sovereign. The thing is though, the wishing star lands on the earth and starts spreading it’s magic to everything it touches. From singing mushrooms, to a room full of dancing chickens and more, the wishing star is a trouble-maker, and a bundle of fun too. It is Valentino, a baby goat which the star gives the ability for him to talk, that steals the film. Valentino is naive, chaotic and absolutely hilarious. I was in stitches with some of his jokes and he was one of the many highlights of the film.
The animation for Disney’s Wish is very different from what we’re used to and it does take some getting used to. By honouring its legacy it has combined the painterly 2D art style of films like Sleeping Beauty with the CGI of films like Frozen. It doesn’t always work and you do kinda wish they picked a style and stuck with it, but it doesn’t distract from the joy, the wonder and the heart of the story of Wish. The music is faultless, however. Each song is catchy, lyrical and has a commanding presence on the story. Chris Pine’s vocals for “This is the Thanks I Get” from King Magnifico is a personal highlight, but Ariana DeBose does prove to be a mighty songstress with her many ballads throughout the film. The only thing I would wish for, is for more of this music in the film. The music is just that good!
Disney’s Wish is a film with a message from the studio to their fans from all over the world. That message is a big thank you. Disney has honoured almost all their iconic films in this film, whether it is secret easter eggs in the background to more obvious choices such as seven characters who all have the same traits as the seven dwarves from Snow White. It is a legacy to be proud off, but it does feel forced a lot of the time but that is the idea of the film. Disney wanted to reflect on what made them so popular, but at the same time look at the possibilities for the future. If there is one wish audiences will be making after the film has finished, it will be one of hope. Hope for more films like this from the studio with a mouse at its centre.
★★★★☆
4/5
Final Verdict:
Disney has done what it set out to do. They have honoured their past, their legacy and at the same time they have looked ahead at what the studio is capable of producing. The story and characters are captivating, but it is the music that really makes the film glow. From the rally cry song of “Knowing What I Know Now” to the Chris Pine ballad, “This is the Thanks I Get”, the music just gets stuck in your head. I am still singing them to myself in my spare time, and I am sure families and kids will be singing them too for many days, months and years to come. Wish is a magical journey, and if you ever want to describe what Disney is to anyone then just get them to watch this film and then they will understand. Thank you Disney, for the last 100 years!
Thanks for reading today’s blog!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
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