By Marc S. Sanders
Disney’s Wish seems to stand out from many other films within the studio’s vault because the lack of filmmaking confidence appears so obvious. What does it tell you when a newly original story is continuously guided by winks and nods from past successes? We see this thing can’t stand on its own two feet. So, let’s dress a character up like Peter Pan and literally name a random deer Bambi.
A sorcerer trained in the arts of magic oversees his newfound Mediterranean island kingdom known as Rosas. He is King Magnifico (Chris Pine) and he has attracted people from all over the world to reside under his rule on the condition that he collects their wishes to be held by him in glittering, floating blue bubbles. The people of Rosas lose all memory of their respective wishes and now live month to month with anticipation that Magnifico will award them the wishes he holds as a kind of equity or collateral.
Asha (Ariana DeBose) is a seventeen-year-old who is eager to finally witness her grandfather Sabino’s (Victor Garber) wish come true as his 100th birthday finally approaches. She also aspires to meet the great sorcerer and hopefully become his apprentice. As soon as she meets the King though, Asha realizes Magnifico is a greedy, selfish individual who thrives off the admiration of the people of Rosas while savoring the wealth of everyone’s longings. In other words, Magnifico is a cult leader.
Chris Pine does good voice work here. He’s gleeful and manipulative and uncaring and evil all at the same time. Disney’s colorful animation lends to his vocal performance of course with Maleficent inspired glows of green spells which the character conducts. Yet, my adult mindset could not get past the fact that I’m looking at an animated inspiration of David Miscavage, long time head of the Church Of Scientology. Magnifico’s wife Amaya (Angelique Cabral) is the quietly naïve representation of David’s wife, Shelly (who has not been accounted for in years). The poor people of Rosas are the brainwashed disciples believing in this false prophet. I guess it’s not a terrible concept to apply to a fantasy, but once I see the allegorical connection, Wish makes me feel uneasy. My fault I guess for watching too many HBO documentaries and listening to former Scientologist Leah Remini too much.
Asha is the hero of this story who makes a wish upon a star. Actually, a literal character named Star enters the picture. Star squeaks like a precious darling, ready to be your children’s next plush toy acquisition. He shoots sparkling trails of gold out of his pointed appendages. With Star’s help, Asha will reach the standard showdown with the villain by the film’s end and the awakening of the people below. It’s all trite material that’s been done before.
Wish relies on the vast history of fantastical stories, believing you can fly and be heroic or simply a sidekick tagging along with the protagonist. Asha has seven friends. One is referred to as grumpy. Huh! How do you like that? Must it be so apparent so often though? Thanks to Star, forest animals talk and one even makes an inside gag to Zootopia. You’re practically asked “Get it? See what I did there?” Magnifico bears a striking resemblance to Jafar and even resides in a similar castle to the Aladdin villain with stone spiral staircases to explore.
The colors and animation are just as engaging as nearly any other Disney film. A few songs work, but there’s nothing on the level on what was accomplished during the days of Rice and Menken, or even more updated fare like Frozen. I can’t recall the title of a single number from Wish. Magnifico sings. Asha sings multiple times. The two duet together and it’s not terrible. Ariana DeBose could sing the phone book and I’ll feel swooned. The supporting people of Rosa sing in choral support as well.
Still, what tainted my experience was turning a very real epidemic of cultish culture into a fantasy catered for all ages to enjoy. The wishes the people offer up are the endless “donations” that a cult mentality always requests. While I appreciate being accepted into a fraternity of Disney loving storytelling, I did not need to be banged over the head with so much saluting either. The end credits contain one classic Disney character after another appearing next to the ongoing scroll. Hi Dumbo. Hi Genie. Hi Peter. Hi Belle.
Disney always reminds us to believe our wishes will come true and yet with Wish the studio chose to go with what is blatantly familiar. It’s time for some fresh ideas again that especially do not source themselves from the reality of harmful sects spreading false doctrines.
NOTE: I still have a fresh idea from a very popular legendary story that Disney, nor Universal or Warner Bros has yet to touch. Maybe it’s time I get it down on paper. Hmm.
2 UNPAID MOVIE CRITICS!!!! 