“Disney’s 2023 Animated Gem: Why Everyone Is Talking About Wish”

 Wish


Basic Info

  • Title: Wish

  • Studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios 

  • Directors: Chris Buck and Fawn Veera sun thorn 

  • Screenwriters: Jennifer Lee, Allison Moore, plus story input from Buck and 

  • Producers: Peter Del Vecho, Juan Pablo Reyes 

  • Runtime: ~95 minutes Wikipedia

  • Release: November 22, 2023 (theatrical) 

  • Budget: $175–200 million 

  • Box Office: ~$255 million globally 

Voice Cast

  • Asha – Ariana DeBose 

  • King Magnifico – Chris Pine Wikipedia

  • Valentino (a goat) – Alan Tudyk 

  • Other voices: Angelique Cabral, Victor Garber, Natasha Rothwell, Harvey Guillén, Evan Peters, Ramy Youssef, Jon Rudnitsky 

Music

  • Score composed by Dave Metzger 

  • Songs by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice Wikipedia


 Plot / Story Summary

  • The protagonist is Asha, a 17-year-old girl living in the Kingdom of Rosas

  • Asha is idealistic, brave, and deeply cares about her community. 

  • She makes a heartfelt wish to the stars when she senses a growing darkness in her kingdom. uk.movies.yahoo.com

  • That wish summons Star, a magical, living “fallen” star — a cosmic, energetic being full of possibility. 

  • Asha and Star form a bond and together face the kingdom’s ruler, King Magnifico, who is not what he seems. 

  • Their mission: to save Rosas and prove that when a courageous human will meets the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Parade


Artistic Style & Themes

  • Animation Style: Wish blends computer (3D) animation with a watercolor / painted 2D feel. This mix gives the film a storybook, almost hand-drawn look in places. 

  • Homage to Disney Legacy: The movie was conceived as part of Disney’s 100-year celebration. It intentionally references classic Disney motifs — especially the theme of wishing on a star. 

  • Villain Design: King Magnifico is not just a power-hungry king — he’s a sorcerer who manipulates people’s wishes for his own gain. 

  • Character Motivation: Asha’s wish is rooted in selflessness — she doesn’t just want something for herself, she wants to help her people. Parade

  • Message / Theme: The film talks about hope, community, and the power of belief. It suggests that true “wishing” isn’t just about getting what you want — it’s about what you do with the magic once it’s granted.


 Reception & Criticism

  • On Rotten Tomatoes, Wish holds a 48% critic score

  • Critic consensus (on Rotten Tomatoes): The film is beautifully animated and references Disney’s past, but many felt the story lacked originality and emotional depth. Rotten Tomatoes

  • Some reviewers praised the visual style: the watercolor effect, subtle outlines, and nostalgic nods to classic Disney films. 

  • But others saw it as overly nostalgic or “by the numbers” — feeling like a corporate tribute more than a deeply compelling story. 

  • On the financial side, it’s considered by some analysts to have underperformed given its big budget. 

  • Audience feedback was more favorable: many appreciated the charm, music, and heartfelt moments. 

Why People Are Talking About Wish

  1. Disney Anniversary Connection: Because Wish was released during Disney’s 100th anniversary, it’s seen as a symbolic celebration of Disney’s legacy. 

  2. Unique Animation Blend: The mix of traditional and modern animation styles (watercolor with 3D) drew a lot of attention — both praise and critique. theprincessblog.org+1

  3. Strong Female Lead: Asha is portrayed as independent and community-oriented, not just focused on a romantic storyline. 

  4. Philosophical Take on “Wishing”: Instead of just “make a wish, get what you want,” the film explores deeper ideas: responsibility, sacrifice, and what it really means to hope.

  5. Villain with Depth: King Magnifico is more than just “evil king” — his control over wishes raises questions about power, corruption, and the cost of magic. 

  6. Critical Polarization: The mixed reviews sparked debate. Some think it’s a beautiful tribute; others say it lacks the emotional core of classic Disney movies.  

  7. Cultural & Industry Moment: In a changing animation industry, Wish is part of Disney’s attempt to revisit what made its films iconic — but adapt that for a modern audience.


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