Review of "Wish": Chris Pine and Ariana DeBose Narrate a Disappointing Story of Two Disneys
The conflict between tradition and change is examined in Disney's most recent picture, "Wish," which is set in the made-up kingdom of Rosas. In the novel, a seventeen-year-old named Asha rebels against the sorcerer Magnifico's autocratic authority.
Disney's most recent motion picture, "Wish," is set in the magical but tyrannical realm of Rosas, where Chris Pine's character, Magnifico, the self-taught sorcerer, rules.
Ariana DeBose's 17-year-old character Asha becomes the driving force of transformation. Through her, we see a symbol of rebellion and community opposing Magnifico's imposed order. As Disney nears its centennial, the picture, which was directed by Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, walks a tightrope between nostalgia and advancement.
In the lead-up to her grandfather Sabino's 100th birthday, Asha tries to persuade Magnifico to grant his desire during the kingdom-wide celebration. The storyline seeks to fly into the future while blending nostalgia for classic Disney films, illustrating an uncomfortable union of the traditional and the modern.
A pivotal moment occurs when Asha starts to doubt Magnifico's authority, setting off a mission to free the kingdom from a despot with an insatiable thirst for power. Aside from paying tribute to Disney's history, the movie also seeks to inspire viewers by reiterating concepts from recent Disney successes like "Frozen" and "Raya and the Last Dragon."
The story features a hybrid animation technique that combines elements of both 2D and 3D, coupled with a musical accompaniment that aims to combine modern pop beats with easily sing-along worthy parts. The film's lively community is enhanced by the eclectic ensemble, which includes voice actors like Alan Tudyk and Angelique Cabral.
The young mixed-race Asha becomes a dissenter and a figurehead for a pseudo-revolution, adopting radical notions about group power and emerging as a symbol of the future. In his engaging portrayal, Chris Pine plays Magnifico, an autocratic king struggling for authority from the past.
"Wish" has some encouraging moments toward the end, but it settles for a predictable, uninspired resolution that fits the mold rather than delivering a genuinely groundbreaking finale. Though it eventually backs off from making a complete rebuild, the movie toy with rebellious notions. Finally, a moving reprise of "This Wish" implies that Asha and her people understand the necessity of significant change, leaving viewers to consider the conflict between tradition and the need for a new order in these unique times.
