Opened: November 22, 2023

Directed by: Chris Buck & Fawn Veerasunthorn

Starring: Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk, Angelique Cabral, Victor Garber, Natasha Rothwell, Jennifer Kumiyama, Harvey Guillén, Niko Vargas, Evan Peters, Ramy Youssef, Jon Rudnitsky, Della Saba, Heather Matarazzo, Nasim Pedrad, Yvette Nicole Brown & James Monroe Iglehart

In honor of Disney’s 100^th anniversary, Wish brings the all-important wishing star from its fairytales front and center in a truly magical film.

When Asha (Ariana DeBose) goes to interview to be King – and sorcerer – Magnifico’s (Chris Pine) apprentice, she is crushed to learn that the wishes his constituents give him will likely never come true.

The nostalgic animation embraces a 2D look without losing the advancements of CGI technology. Asha is a fantastic lead with the new awkward spirit Disney is giving its heroines, but that’s balanced out by the fabulous and strong Queen Amaya (Angelique Cabral).

While most of the songs won’t live up to Disney’s legendary status, “This Wish” is a beautiful song of wanting, while “Knowing What I Know Now” has power that few Disney tunes possess.

Final say: A fitting film for 100 years. ★★★★☆