Disney’s audience has very mixed opinions when it comes to live-action renditions, especially when the characters are “changed” in any way. This summer “The Little Mermaid” live-action was released, casting Halle Bailey, a black woman, as Ariel’s character. A lot of viewers felt that instead of “changing” the character a new one should be produced altogether. Well, that “Wish” has been answered.
“Wish” is a beautiful new movie bringing together elements of new animation, music, and characters that haven’t been seen in the Disney-verse before. However, it still pays homage to past movies and the traditional Disney vibe. The animation style was something new. It was done in “watercolor, storybook CG-visual style” rather than Disney’s normal “storybook realism” which I really enjoyed. It felt as though you were looking at the pencil drawings being brought to life rather than the full, converted animation.
I went to see “Wish” on a premier night, the Ridgewood theater was packed full of people. As I sat in my seat, anticipation coursed through me because as an avid Disney watcher, I had been waiting for the release of this movie for a while. The trailer received many mixed reviews: some people on social media said it felt “low budget” and didn’t have the normal Disney “wow factor”. However, from the moment I saw it I loved the movie, the representation of Afro-Latin culture along with other features is what really enticed me.
The movie follows 17-year-old Asha, who is a “commoner” in her town, Rosas. She is starting an apprenticeship with the king but once she discovers a fault of his, everything takes a turn. The movie is an exciting watch for Disney lovers of all ages.
There are over a hundred “easter eggs” in the movie, giving reference to other pieces, such as Peter Pan being a villager, one of the woodland animals named Bambi, and a character named “Sleepy” as in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I loved this because it further incorporated “Wish” into the Disney family and it’s just cool to see characters I love be mentioned again.
The soundtrack was also amazing, including Ariana DeBoise’s solo “This Wish” and Chris Pines’ “This is the Thanks I Get”. For me, they were both very powerful songs that put me in the mood of the movie and added so much to the plot.
“Wish” is the perfect addition to the Disney storyline, its elements of cultural representation, new art, and new songs will intrigue any age. And you might just find some of your own favorite characters in it!
