‘Introverts deserve sanctuary!’
It’s been 100 years since Walt Disney and his brother, Roy, signed an agreement to produce an animated series called Alice Comedies. In 1928, Steamboat Willie came along – introducing the world to both Mickey Mouse and animation being screened in a cinema with synchronised sound. In 1937 they released their first feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. And the rest, as they say is history. To mark their centenary they’ve made a film, their 62nd feature film, celebrating their history with a very literal look at what happens when dreams & wishes do or don’t come true. Suffice to say, Disney have a lot riding on this one.
Life in the Kingdom of Rosas is a pretty sweet deal. Founded by King Magnifico (Chris Pine) and his wife Amaya (Angelique Cabral), he uses his sorcery to protect his citizens from harm. All he asks for in return is that, on their 18th birthday, each person must hand over their wish – their heart’s truest desire. He protects these wishes in his tower, each month granting a different wish as a sign of his great leadership and benevolence. Asha (Ariana DeBose) is 17 years old and is desperate to be the King’s newest apprentice, but during her training she quickly realises all is not well and will do all she can to stop it.
The biggest problem that Wish has is that it is fine. It’s neither amazingly good, nor is it bad by any stretch of the imagination. It’s a pass. Nice. All-right. A-Okay. It does relatively well with balancing nods to the past with some lovely little Easter Eggs along the way. There’s a couple of good gags for all ages. It’s heroine is very likeable, endearing, funny and kind. The ensemble cast is great and the supporting characters memorable. The songs vary between solid to ear-worm potential. The animation style is unique, maybe slightly-off if we’re being honest, but there’s beauty within it.
It’s just. That’s it. It does the job, no more and no less. There’s nothing superlative about it, which feels a bit sad for something that is being pitched as so monumental. But perhaps that’s where the problem lies, the weight of expectation, purpose and meaning weighs every moment down. It’s been robbed from being a film in it’s own right, instead it is a self-appointed monument to the studio’s legacy. This feels more content than movie. They’ve simultaneously followed the formula whilst having also metaphorically plastered ‘This is significant!’ across the screen in bright, flashing lights. Never is this more felt than during at least two of the musical numbers, which both have a subsequent pause that seems almost expectant, if not even demanding of applause – a la a live theatrical performance. I mean, the songs are good. But they’re not *that* good…
Wish doesn’t necessarily shine incandescently, but there’s enough of a glow that it’s worth giving a go. [3/5 stars]
Wish is in UK cinemas from Friday 24th November.
Charlotte Sometimes 