Disney has defined childhood for many generations as the leading animation corporation for decades. Creator Walt Disney pioneered “flipbook animation” to a high level with the iconic short film “Steamboat Willie”, using synchronized sound to become the first post-produced sound cartoon and debuted the beloved character Mickey Mouse. Now, Disney prides itself on its magnificent and stunning computer graphics, making the story of childlike wonder come to life. As of this year, Disney celebrates its 100-year milestone with the newest addition to the Pixar universe, “Wish”.
“Wish” hit theaters on November 22, 2023, just in time for Thanksgiving. Directed by Oscar-winning director Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, the movie is a culmination of Walt Disney’s legacy, with easter eggs alluding to past classics scattered around the story. The film uses a mixture of 3D and 2D animation as a tribute to the contrast of Disney’s classic hand-drawn past and digital present. The scenes in the movie work perfectly in blending the texture of inking watercolors as well as hyper realistic details, the hybrid dazzles the audience with its purposeful patchwork animation.
Whilst being a time capsule, “Wish” also sets the path to the future of Disney, Asha, the main heroine plays a significant role of inspiration without being a princess. The 17-year-old girl wishes for a cosmic force to help save her town, Rosas after sensing an incoming darkness. Through this, a new role model for children to follow was born.
However, the film still received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the animated visuals, beautiful music, and talented cast — Chris Pine was famously cast to play the villain, King Magnifico. Many also criticized the excessive overlapping with past Disney films in the plot, the main one being Magnifico’s story arc being eerily close to Jafar from Aladdin. The easter eggs limited the film from having a main storyline of itself.
Disney has represented the beauty of innocence with no doubt; a child-like wonder story with mature themes that spreads to audiences of children and adults. One could only wish that this would continue despite Disney’s recent pessimistic reviews.
