Wish is an enchanting celebration of Disney’s fairy tale legacy 

Wish. // Courtesy Disney

The words “when you wish upon a star” immediately call to mind a century of Disney animation, from Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio to Snow White and her seven dwarves. The studio’s latest fairy tale endeavor, Wish, builds on that legacy while keeping an eye on the future.

Set in the thriving island kingdom of Rosas, Wish follows young Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose) as she strives to become apprentice to King Magnifico (Chris Pine), a powerful sorcerer who founded the kingdom of Rosas with his wife, Amaya (Angelique Cabral) after a tragedy struck their former homeland. 

Magnifico’s magic is so strong that he can grant the deepest wishes of his loyal subjects. On their 18th birthday, each citizen is honored with a special ceremony during which they give their wish to Magnifico, who protects it in his castle, along with all of the other wishes. The citizens then forget their heart’s deepest desire, until one day, if they are chosen, Magnifico grants that wish. 

Asha is shocked to discover that King Magnifico has no intention of granting every wish, however. Some are too vague. Some are too selfish. Some wishes, like the wish of Asha’s 100 year old grandfather, Sabino (Victor Garber), are even deemed too dangerous to grant. With no wishes in their hearts, the people of Rosas are docile and complacent, happy to spend their days eating cookies that look like Magnifico’s face instead of striving to achieve their dreams.

Wish. // Courtesy Disney

Horrified by this, Asha runs into the woods and makes a wish upon a star for “something more for us than this” (turning the classic “I want” song coined by Disney princess movie godfather Howard Ashman into a literal “I wish” song). The star leaves the sky in order to accompany Asha on her quest to free the wishes locked in Magnifico’s tower.

Now, Asha and her friends must race to stop Magnifico from using the magic of the fallen star to fuel his abilities.

The story and politics of Wish are rather meaty for a children’s fairy tale, but there’s enough slapstick humor here to keep the film engaging for kids, thanks mostly to Asha’s cheeky pet goat Valentino (voiced by Alan Tudyk). The movie’s songs are full of inspirational lyrics and unique syncopation. They’re catchy without being resigned to the inescapable ear-worm status of other recent Disney standards—I’m looking at you, “Let It Go” and “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”

The animation, a combination of traditional and computer-generated art, lends the film a unique look that feels equal parts Cinderella and Shrek. The film is also full of visual and spoken nods to Disney’s 100-year history, from Alice in Wonderland and Pocahontas to The Hunchback of Notre Dame and even The Country Bears.

Wish’s lightning-fast 95-minute runtime leaves several plot-related questions unanswered, but it still succeeds as a tribute to Disney’s century of legacy.