‘Wish’: This ‘Rotten’ Disney Movie Deserves a Second Chance – Here’s Why Fans Got It Wrong

Walt Disney Studios has been associated with magical animated films since the premiere of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ in 1937. While tearjerkers like ‘Bambi’ and ‘The Fox and the Hound’ left audiences in emotional wonder, timeless films like ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘Tangled’, and ‘The Princess and the Frog’ have won hearts over the years. Disney’s nearly century-long tradition of producing cherished animated masterpieces has been maintained by more recent successes like ‘Frozen’, ‘Moana’, and ‘Encanto’.

Disney is not impervious to setbacks, though. Some recent movies haven’t been as popular because of controversy and dwindling Disney+ users. For instance, the November 2023 release of ‘Wish’ drew scathing criticism and was unable to recover its $200 million budget. The narrative centres on Asha, a 17-year-old girl who opposes King Magnifico’s strategies for dictating the desires of the realm. ‘Wish’ has a poor 48% rating on Rotten Tomatoes after critics criticized it as hurried and lacking in inspiration.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

However, this critique may be too severe. When evaluated on its own merits, ‘Wish’ is full of charm and poignant topics. Its uplifting and compassionate teachings, which emphasize having the courage to dream and helping others, are welcome. Asha’s quest to uplift her kingdom serves as a lesson to collaborate in order to realize aspirations. The movie emphasizes the value of teamwork and sacrifice, providing lessons that are especially pertinent in the individualistic world of today.

Since Asha isn’t a princess, she stands apart. In contrast to her predecessors, she is a sympathetic figure who prioritizes assisting others over completing a romance plot. Her distinctive attributes—her passion for her kingdom, her human imperfections, and her sympathetic drive—are overlooked by critics who accuse her of being unoriginal.

Even though ‘Wish’ isn’t Disney’s best, it’s still a touching movie. It is a safe and entertaining choice because of its relatability and simplicity, particularly for younger audiences. Sometimes an endearing, enjoyable plot is sufficient; not every animated film has to reinvent the genre.

–Farheen Ali