The Legacy of an Empire
As their expansive year-long Disney 100 celebration finally concludes, Walt Disney Animation Studios is set to deliver their 62nd feature-length animated film nearly ninety years after Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs began arguably the most enduring legacy in the history of cinema. Standing as a loving tribute to everything that makes Disney animation so unique, magical and uniquely magical, Wish is a gem. A wondrous throwback to classic animated musicals of the past, this is easily the best family film of the season.
THE PLOT
Through the combined use of that ancient tradition of the storybook opening, and the Disney Renaissance tradition of a lively opening musical number, we’re introduced to the mythical island kingdom of Rosas, a utopian society established by the charismatic King Magnifico (Chris Pine, making up for his questionable vocal performance in DreamWorks Rise of the Guardians) that welcomes lost souls from all around the world. One such inhabitant is Asha (a perfectly cast Ariana DeBose), a wide-eyed 17-year-old anxiously preparing for her interview with the king to hopefully land the coveted role as his sorcerer’s apprentice. For, of course, Magnifico is no ordinary ruler.
After a dark tragedy in his youth, Magnifico learned the mystical arts to become a powerful wizard capable of granting wishes to those he deems worthy. On their 18th birthday, the citizens of Rosa each make a wish before Magnifico which vanishes from their memory into bubbles for their king to keep safe in his imposing tower. Each month, Magnifico selects one lucky resident to have their wish fulfilled. And, this month, Asha is hoping her beloved 100-year-old grandfather, Sabino (Victor Garber) will be the chosen one.
But that all changes when Asha learns the truth behind Magnifico’s selection process and his true intentions for everyone’s wishes. Desperate for help to overcome Magnifico’s nefarious plans, Asha follows her late father’s advice to “wish upon a star,” leading to a literal, magical ball of boundless energy called Star floating down to Earth. With Star’s magic and the support of her trusty (and, thanks to a sprinkle of stardust, anthropomorphic) pet goat, Valentino (Alan Tudyk), Asha must find the strength to defeat Magnifico and save her beloved town.
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It is obviously no coincidence that this film has been released in conjunction with Disney's centenary; it's been plastered everywhere all year, though, being the hobbit I am, I saw very little of that until really the trailers. It is the very summit of everything the studio has been celebrating this year, and Walt Disney himself, I'm sure, is in some kind of mirror dimension, having watched it all come together, and positively crying with joy. While there are conceptual throwbacks to numerous other Disney animated films, it’s a golden formula that still works after 84 years of films.
Now do not mistake me, this film is SO much more than some irritating little fest of nostalgia that does nothing more than strangle us by the past; we have all the live action remakes for that. There are beautiful little Easter eggs dotted all over the film; most of which made me, one who has seen and owned every single animated film Disney has ever made, giggle like a little fan boy. It begins with the aforementioned storybook automatically opening its pages, reminiscent of some favourites of mine like Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. The very notion of wishing upon a star is an obvious nod to Pinocchio. Asha has a group of seven friends who each share a characteristic and colour palette with Snow White’s seven dwarfs. Magnifico’s lair features a familiar-looking poisonous apple. And cute sidekicks, an OBVIOUS villain, and a few catchy original songs are the very cornerstones of every Disney classic.
But this film is ultimately how you create a loving homage instead of lazily rehashing it. What really brings back those memories of Disney animated films of yesteryear is the stunning visuals. While it’s not entirely a return to traditional 2D “hand-drawn” animation, it’s the closest we’re going to get for a while yet sadly. Something thought seemingly impossible in an age where 3D photorealistic animation dominates the industry. It’s hugely refreshing to see Disney try something different after years of animated films that all looked marvellous but mostly similar in style.
MY VERDICT
Some people may have expected/wanted this film to actually feature one character from each of the 61 previous films. Methinks this would have been completely superfluous and the characters this film already has, stand perfectly on their own. The music is equal parts nostalgic and current, and really solid. The animation, a mix between 3D and 2D, is personally the stand out of this particular film for me.
Is Wish a Disney Classic? Of course. If not now, then soon. And inevitably.
