Wish
The brief
Disney's 100th anniversary film feels like a committee-designed attempt to recapture old magic, with Ariana DeBose's Asha singing through a predictably safe fairy tale that hits every expected beat without much spark. The animation splits awkwardly between traditional 2D-inspired character design and modern 3D backgrounds, creating a visual disconnect that never quite gels. Chris Pine brings some devilish energy as the villain King Magnifico, but even he can't elevate songs that sound like they're checking boxes rather than telling a story. Perfect for parents wanting something harmless to stream with young kids, but anyone hoping for Disney's next Moana or Encanto will leave disappointed.
The verdict
If you're a parent looking for a harmless Disney film to keep young children entertained for 95 minutes, this delivers exactly that with familiar songs and colorful animation. If you're hoping for Disney's next creative breakthrough or memorable musical moments, you'll find this feels more like a safe corporate product than inspired storytelling.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for parents with young kids wanting something harmless
- ⚠️ Disney animation fans expecting Moana-level quality
Heads up
- Villain threatens community but resolved safely (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Chris Buck
- Cast
- Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk, Angelique Cabral, Victor Garber, Natasha Rothwell, Jennifer Kumiyama
Official synopsis
Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force – a little ball
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Both animated tales celebrate young dreamers finding magic through creative passion.
Total runtime: 1h 35m + 1h 51m = 3h 26m
