Reflections on a 10-Year-Old Movie: A New Era in Disney Animation

The last movie I watched in a theater approximately ten years ago was Wish, the new Disney movie. This film presented both pleasant surprises and disappointments, as we will delve into in this review.

Highlighting the Positive

First, the movie had several positives. The voice acting of the main characters stood out for me. Ariana DeBose brought a sense of hopefulness with an edge to her character, Asha. Chris Pine showcased a delightful sense of charisma and unhinged charm as Magnifico, while Alan Tudyk added humor as the talking goat sidekick. These dynamic performances contributed to an engaging experience.

The songs in Wish were composed with a unique quality. Many of the tunes had a specific rolling bounce and syncopation that I found refreshing, setting them apart from classic Disney musical films. One of the standout songs was an incredibly catchy bop for the villain, which served as a sharp contrast to the heroes' more intense and rebellious piece. Even though a few songs were a bit forgettable, none of them detracted significantly from the overall experience, and a couple of them were genuinely great additions.

Identifying the Drawbacks

However, there were also several aspects of Wish that fell short. Perhaps the most noticeable issue was the visual style of the movie. Despite the producers' attempt to bridge the gap between Disney’s 2D and 3D animation styles, the movie often felt flat and under detailed. Compared to modern Disney animations, the backgrounds lacked the intricate detailing that brought worlds to life in previous films.

The color palette, reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty, was predominantly pastel, which made the movie look dull and unremarkable. While the intention was to pay homage to the classic Disney style, the result felt cheap rather than nostalgic. Moreover, Wish lacked the visual magic seen in movies like Moana, Frozen, or Raya and the Last Dragon, where each scene was a work of art in itself.

Overabundance of References

The movie showcased an excessive amount of references to older Disney films. While these references worked in some moments, such as the scene where Asha runs like Rapunzel, they felt forced and unoriginal in others. Dialogues and sequences were lifted almost frame for frame from older classics, which made the story feel derivative rather than innovative. This repetitive approach diminished the movie's originality, as it felt like a collection of recycled ideas rather than a fresh and unique narrative.

The Story's Floundering

The story of Wish suffered from a lack of depth and originality. The villain was initially portrayed as an ally before being revealed as a villain, almost without conflict or doubt. The motivations of the villain were similarly underdeveloped, with no real explanation or backstory. Instead of building tension or intrigue, the narrative felt rushed and predictable.

These shortcomings are particularly evident in the comparison to more recent Disney musicals like Moana, where the villain's backstory was integral to the character development, or Frozen 2, which explored the sins of one's ancestors. The story in Wish felt like a step backwards in terms of storytelling, reducing the depth and complexity of the characters.

Target Audience Considerations

While Wish may not have resonated with me, as a former film snob who is overly invested in animated movies, it did win the hearts of my children. My 5-year-old and 8-year-old daughters loved the movie, particularly the songs and the talking goat. Their enthusiasm suggests that the film succeeded in capturing the hearts of younger audiences, making it an enjoyable experience for the family.

Overall, Wish is a simple, visually appealing movie with good voice acting and a decent soundtrack. However, it lacks the innovation and depth seen in modern Disney musicals. While it may not be the pinnacle of Disney animation, it still manages to entertain, especially for younger audiences.