Wish

By: Gladys Luna

“Forget with no regrets” is a tantalizing promise that serves as a good kick off for this music fantasy film called Wish. Walt Disney Animation Studios manages to bring us another endearing story about hope filled with their usual colorful and magical touch.

In this story we are taken to the fantastic kingdom of Rosas, ruled by King Magnifico (Chris Pine) and his wife Queen Amaya (Angelique Cabral). After a heartbreaking move that fate has played on him in his younger years and in an attempt to rebuild his life in hopes of a better future, he has created a whole new land of his own where everyone is invited and welcomed in exchange for one simple thing: grant him their deepest wish in order for him to protect it and keep the people from any form of pain. This formula appears to have been working for years until one day he meets with a young, courageous and out-of-the-ordinary girl named Asha (Ariana DeBose) who through her unique view of things will test his ability to lead the kingdom and everything he’s ever known.

This beautiful film has been directed by Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn who have accomplished to immerse us on this quite oneiric voyage. Through the use of colorful graphics and flashy scenarios, we turn into first-hand witnesses of a hopeful and an optimistic place where every dream and desire are always at a reach of a hand.

Wish renders a well-deserved tribute to the concept that started it all, which is the power of belief. It offers a full ride to nostalgia taking us back to the mere origins of Disney itself that, at times, makes you feel as though this was actually the source of all of the other films. Along the whole movie, we are met with all sort of characters that serve a resemblance with some of the Disney classics and some others make a bluntly appearance.

Ariana DeBose delivers a wonderful performance allowing us to experience her very well-known talent and making us feel every emotion her character Asha is going through. With her powerful voice she is capable to find her way to your soul and touch it with no remorse. Chris Pine’s interpretation of King Magnifico is terrific managing to take you from love to hate without hesitation. Still, my favorite one was Valentino the goat, brilliantly voiced by Alan Tudyk whose accurate jokes and charm grants him with the chance to gain everyone’s heart.

Wish is a story that has come to remind us to never stop dreaming and that are our passion and desires that give us purpose and without them we are soulless. Needless to say, this is a fully recommended film that would not leave anyone indifferent.