Hopes and Wishes from a Special Star

 

Written by Yongma Lee

Seen at the Lacey Regal Cinemas on November 22, 2023

 

             100 years have passed since Walt Disney has created the Walt Disney Company and I only pray that after this film that Disney would continue to give us the Disney magic for another hundred years. I believe that Disney has started coming out of the slump ever since I saw the Short, “Once upon a Studio” as well as the film I’m reviewing, Disney’s Wish. This movie and all the wonders, along with Easter eggs in tribute of the 100 years of celebrating Disney’s legacy would be more than worth the wait. And on top of that, the CGI in the film blended in well with the watercolor traditional artwork and the film did gave it all to tell an original story even with 100 years worth of animated Easter Eggs hinted within the films complimented with original songs.

             So I make this wish to give the film more with all of my heart. It’s time I make my magic and present the score it rightfully earned.

Plot Spoilers

             Asha, whom lived in Rosas founded by King Magnifico, wanted to have her grandfather’s wish granted as she wants to work as his apprentice. That is, until she ran into a dark truth behind the kingdom. Afterwards, she made a wish on the star and gets a more direct answer than she bargained for when a mischievous star comes down from the sky to help her. How will Star help her when it comes to her wish?

Pros and Cons of the Film

             While many other critics deemed the film as a disaster, I frankly disagree with their harsh criticism without giving the film a chance. Underneath it all, the film does express the underlying message about wishes being the wonderful part of the individual. Many people believe that wishes tend to be thoughts or ideas, but they’re mold from each person’s heart and soul as the said person’s desires become stronger. I also like the approach where the film combined 3d animation with watercolor traditional paint to present a new form in animation. Such as the waterfall animation during one of the songs, or even the traditional animated effects when Magnifico is performing his magic. I would love to see Traditional animation returning to the America’s Silver Screen anytime soon.  I also like how the music really captivates the exposition of the film without feeling rushed with magical songs and compelling music pieces.

             My only constructive criticism for the film is that it could’ve gone a little longer and provides a little more detail in exposition.

Wishes: Part of a Person’s heart

             For countless centuries, people have been making wishes. Whether it is upon a star, throw a coin in a fountain, let alone any other manner of culture all over the world. Regardless, wishes are more than mere ideas. They are the most beautiful parts of what make each person unique. In the case of Asha’s Grandfather, his wish is to create wonderful music. In my case, to have a multitasking career in media production in means of video games, movies and TV shows. But the wish tends to be a guiding light into helping that very person’s dream a reality. Yet, there are many ways where a person’s dreams crushed if that person just gave up on dreams and if the said individual isn’t careful. For example, entrusting the wishes to a villain like Magnifico is not only risky, it also caused people to forget the best part of their individuality. Not every wish guaranteed granted but they act as a very important part in every person with a lot of hard work and heart to go in realizing it. 

Final Thoughts

             Despite the negative reactions towards Disney Animation Studios’ latest project, I would say Wish would be the push in the right Direction that Disney needed in the means of creating original works and bounce back for the next one-hundred years. With the Watercolor traditional animated work in the background, there might be a good chance that Disney’s traditional animated work might return back to the theaters in the United States. With all of the nostalgic Easter Eggs from Disney’s previous animated works, Wish presented a lot of wonderful childhood memories in my heart with “When you Wish Upon a Star” at the end credits being the final hit right in the heart. Despite not being successful, the movie has nevertheless given me a sense of hope that it could do much better than it is right now. I would love to see how the studio will turn around by 2024 or 2025.

             Through Childhood nostalgia along with the captivating visuals as well as wonderful music and songs connecting to the film, I’m giving Wish 9 out of 10 stars. I continue to wish upon the stars and go through hard work hoping my dreams come true like Asha and everyone else. Keep on Wishing and keep on fighting for your dreams.