Disney hosts press screenings for its 62nd animated film, Wishand critics share strong initial reviews of the new show.
Oscar nominee Ariana DeBose teams up with former DC/Star Trek fan favorite Chris Pine and Disney legend Alan Tudyk Wishthe story of 17-year-old Asha, who hopes that a star falling from the sky will help her save her kingdom.
The film aims to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary with an exciting story with themes of betrayal and darkness. Fans hope that Disney recovers with other films, such as A strange world flopped badly both financially and critically.
Critics share strong reviews of Disney’s Wish
After Disney’s first public press screenings Wishcritics shared their initial reviews and reactions to the film in X, most of which were quite positive.
Variety Clayton Davis highlighted the film’s easter eggs and the way it celebrates “100 years of the famous studio” while also praising stars Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine for their efforts, especially Pine’s villainous vocals:
“”Wish” is a celebration of the famous studio’s 100th anniversary with Easter eggs. Surprisingly, it was thematically richer than I would have expected. I’d argue, maybe a little depressing?
Ariana DeBose brings down the house as one of our great modern day princesses. Chris Pine’s villain song “This is the Thanks I Get” is out of this world. The foot tapping group number “Knowing What I Know Now” is my favorite. “This wish” is probably a big push. Great animation.”
The wrap Drew Taylor praised the way the film was put together “next generation technology with timeless storytelling” teasing the unseen also feels familiar:
“Combining next-generation technology with timeless storytelling, ‘Wish’ looks like you’ve never seen it before and feels exactly like your favorite Disney movie—whatever it is. A celebration of hope, community, self-actualization, and 100 years of Disney magic. Loved it the”
Variety Courtney Howard called the movie “Enchanting & DISTURBING” while emphasizing the Disney way “brilliantly mixes classic and modern technology” everywhere Wish:
“‘Wish” is Enchanting and Dazzling. A magical, inspiring fairy tale and heroine for a new generation. I was blown away by the animation and musical brilliance that brilliantly blends classic and modern technology. Ariana DeBose & Chris Pine shine brightly.”
Critic Jordie Poblete was “happily surprised” author Wishpraising “beautiful matte look from its animation” and celebrating how easy the characters are to love while praising the music:
“Pleasantly surprised at how Disney’s ‘wish’ was. Nothing typical about it, a story that doesn’t let go from the start, a beautiful m
Atte look for its animations, easy-to-admire characters and a masterful take on Julia Michaels’ Disney music. Disney Animation is so proud!!”
A nightmarish spell Sarah Musnicki declared Wish be “a message we can all relate to” celebrates the Star character but also points out that the film is “not as strong as it could be:”
“‘Wish’ has a message we can all get behind. Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine and Alan Tudyk soar. Beloved star steals everyone’s hearts and unleashes cute aggression. It’s not as strong as it could be though, w/ vocals – and animation choices that have no lasting effect.”
The fandom Eric Goldman described Wish like “A well-made and sweet ‘take abow’ film” to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary and demonstrate a conscious choice to tell “a very classic story” that changes things for modern audiences:
“Disney’s ‘Wish’ is a well-made and sweet ‘take abow’ 100th anniversary film, deliberately telling a very classic story with a modern twist. My favorite parts are the delightfully animated silent Star and King Magnifico, who gets a real villain origin story.”
Critic Wendy Lee Szany thus Wish like “A wonderful love letter to Disney classics” with incredible animation that summons most of the main characters “very cute” specifically putting Chris Pine on the pedestal of King Magnifico:
“‘Wish’ is a fantastic love letter to Disney classics. Great animation. Ariana DeBose is perfect as Asha, Valentino and Star are super cute and steal your heart, but Chris Pine’s King Magnifico is a must watch. Full review coming soon.”
Filmotomy Doug Jamieson received a lot of praise Wishcalls it “Great home run for Disney” when declared it was “a throwback to classic animated musicals” and a heartfelt tribute to Disney history:
“‘Wish’ is Disney’s Great Household. Beautifully animated and full of heart, it’s a throwback to classic animated musicals and a loving tribute to Disney’s 100th anniversary. Great songs, moving story, cute sidekicks and a nasty villain. I can’t ask for much more.”
ComicBook.com Jamie Jirak used the phrase “pure heart” portray Wishgive props to the songs and voice talent while feeling “The Care Used to Celebrate Disney’s 100th Anniversary:”
“‘Wish’ is pure heart. You can really feel the care that went into Disney’s 100th anniversary. The songs are great, which is always my main concern. Ariana DeBose sounds amazing, Chris Pine exudes wicked charm, and Alan Tudyk is funny. But a star is a star !”
Geeks of Doom’s Michael Lee praised how much Wish was “an uplifting tribute” to Disney’s work with “visual storytelling,” telling fans that it “pushing the boundaries of combining traditional hand-drawn and CG animation:”
“‘Wish’ is a stunning tribute to all of Disney’s achievements and advancements in visual storytelling. The film pushes the boundaries by combining traditional hand-drawn and CG animation. Its emotionally nuanced story radiates and seven songs are destined to be classics! Wow!”
Nerds of Color’s Laura Sirikul didn’t hold back, called Wish “the perfect movie for Disney’s 100th anniversary” and congratulating the film’s development team while declaring that it “win all prizes:”
“‘Wish’ is amazing.” “Wish” is the perfect movie for Disney’s 100th anniversary. It’s inspiring, memorable and absolutely gorgeously made. The music is just beautiful. So many odes to past films. Congratulations “Wish” Team! This wins all awards.”
Will Wish succeed after its launch?
Considering how this film marks a milestone for Disney with 100 years of animated storytelling, the studio surely hopes that Wish will be the latest hit for others to enjoy Frozen and Moana were before that.
And especially considering how Disney’s three most recent releases were all called flops at one point or another, the studio should be optimistic that its latest princess-centric films will bring fans back to the glory days.
Also, after June Elemental It was ultimately considered a Disney success after a rough opening weekend at the box office, I hope it is Wish can continue the same uptrend and even get off to a better start.
And while its stars were unable to attend the world premiere due to the SAG-AFTRA strike (which has since been resolved), Disney is looking to ramp up its promotional efforts in the coming weeks to drum up hype for potential viewers.
Wish opens in theaters on Friday, November 22.
