In the realm of animated features, Disney’s “Wish” arrived with the fanfare befitting a cinematic event. Celebrating a milestone – Disney Animation’s 100th year – this musical epic was poised to become a crowning achievement. It follows the journey of Asha, a young girl whose starlit wish spirals into a series of unexpected events. Despite its grand intentions and reflective homage to a century of storytelling, “Wish” has encountered turbulent waters post-release.
Criticisms and the Rotten Tomatoes Verdict
Anticipation for “Wish” was high, especially with it being marketed as the epitome of Disney’s century-long narrative journey. However, the reception has been lukewarm. Critics haven’t been shy about their mixed feelings, leading to a modest 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Prominent voices like John Campea have critiqued the film’s “thin” plot and a perceived lack of the quintessential Disney magic that fans have come to cherish.
The Core of the Controversy: Easter Eggs or Distractions?
One of the central elements stirring debate is the film’s approach to celebrating Disney’s history. “Wish” is replete with Easter eggs and nods to the studio’s vast filmography. However, this tribute has become a double-edged sword. While some fans, as noted by Reddit user Saga_23_, appreciate the attempt to weave a shared universe linking iconic Disney characters and stories, others feel it overshadows the film’s narrative. Sean Collier from Pittsburgh Magazine encapsulates this sentiment, suggesting that “Wish” focuses so much on being a Disney film that it loses sight of being a compelling movie in its own right.
Disney’s ‘WISH’ underperforms on its opening weekend at the domestic box office.
The movie was tracking to open with +$40M but ended up only earning $31M.
Read our review: https://t.co/QT1Wl9Q2gq pic.twitter.com/G9S5eZA3UY
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) November 26, 2023
Balancing Nostalgia and Narrative
The inclusion of numerous Easter eggs was a deliberate choice, as outlined by co-director Peter Del Vecho in an interview with The Direct. The challenge was to evoke the essence of Disney’s storied past while crafting an original story. Del Vecho describes this task as initially daunting but ultimately joyful, a sentiment that likely resonated with the entire creative team. Despite these intentions, the film’s reliance on nostalgic callbacks has raised questions about whether this overshadowed the potential to deliver a story that could stand independently and resonate with audiences and critics alike.
The Verdict: Did ‘Wish’ Miss Its Mark?
“Wish” represents a complex intersection of celebration, nostalgia, and storytelling. While it aimed to pay homage to Disney’s rich history, its execution has prompted a reevaluation of how such tributes should be integrated into new narratives. Perhaps, as some critics suggest, the best way to honor Disney’s legacy would have been through a film that could join the ranks of its timeless classics. As it stands, “Wish” offers a unique look at Disney’s past and present but leaves audiences pondering what could have been.
“Wish” is currently showing in theaters, offering viewers the chance to engage with this latest chapter in Disney’s cinematic saga and form their own opinions on this ambitious yet controversial tribute.
