Disney's Wish (2023)

First and foremost, this movie is not one of my favorites. There were several things that I did like about the movie, one of which being the underlying message it seems to portray and the little hidden Mickey moments that reference the other movies Disney has produced over the years. Some of the things I did not like about this movie included the music as well as the art style. Now, I did not necessarily hate these things in their entirety however it did not fill me with as much joy and contempt as I normally feel toward Disney-branded content. In recent years, Disney has seemed to focus highly on finding ways to connect with their audiences, and I usually find ways to relate to the films; in this newer release, I do still manage to find a way to connect to the characters in the sense of the underlying message, however, it does not pull at nearly as many heartstrings nor does it really draw me into the movie and have me wanting to watch it again. Additionally, the songs are not catchy and have me singing along as I go about my day after watching. The artistry style tries hard to mimic the classic 2D animations of classics such as the Hunchback of Notre Dame and Pinocchio while also trying to blend in the modern 3D animations we have seen in many of the more recent animation releases including Frozen and Moana. The blend between these two styles did not sit well with me originally and is still a little off-putting even as I wrapped up the film, but you do begin to ignore the inconsistency between the two styles as you start to really dive into the meat of the movie halfway through. The main thing I appreciated within the story was of course the references to other films and the hidden Mickey moments you could find in the animations. However, I also enjoyed the overlying theme that you can not leave your wish in the hands of anyone but yourself. You need to achieve your dreams and send hope into the world through your own actions.

*** CAUTION - POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW IF YOU HAVE NOT WATCHED ***

However, I also enjoyed the overlying theme that you can not leave your wish in the hands of anyone but yourself. You need to achieve your dreams and send hope into the world through your own actions.

In Disney's Wish, you get a glimpse into what Walt was trying to do when he founded his company and made so many beloved characters such as Mickey and Minnie or Cinderella, Tiana, Mirabel, and so many others. You see that Walt had a dream, a wish if you will. To inspire the next generation through his creations. Just as Asha's grandfather wished to do. You find this underlying connection when you catch wind of the final tune he plays during the credit scenes. You also find many different references to all of the hopes and dreams that Walt had portrayed in the many MANY films his company produced. Referenced to finding true love such as in many classic princess movies, wanting to fly away to a Neverland such as Peter Pan, or wanting to have a utopian society for animals that wear people clothes such as in Zootopia. 

Also, it is interesting to think how rather than being another Princess in our line up of Disney characters, the moment of Asha being granted a magic wand and having the suggestion made by villagers, could Segway into Asha being the Fairy Godmother we come to know through the Cinderella movies. I am sure they would not make her directly that Fairy Godmother but it draws a lot of similarities nonetheless.