Wish

 

STANDARD DISCLAIMER: 

Full disclosure. I do own stock in the Disney Company.  

With Thanksgiving happening this week in the United States, Disney’s latest family animated film Wish has hit the big screen.  Billed as being 100 years in the making Wish, takes the Disney theme of wishing upon a star to new levels in a new original, nostalgia filled musical homage.

Despite being a Disney fan and stock owner, I can’t say I had any sense of anticipation or great interest going into this film.  The trailers looked okay but didn’t exactly scream “must see” for me, more, “eh, could be cute.”  Combined with the only recently ended actor’s strike there hasn’t been much buzz around this one.  Hell, I had no idea who any of the voice actors were until I actually watched the film.  Still, I opted at the last minute to check Wish out on a last-minute whim before holiday crowds pack the theaters.

I’m so happy I did.

Wish is an hour thirty-five-minute joy to behold.

The old school watercolor animation combined with CG animation is beautiful.  It’s classic and comforting, yet fresh and lively.  When they said 100 years in the making, the film’s creative teamed leaned in hard and the result is amazing.  

Wish is filled with overt and subtle references that cover the history of Disney animation that warm the heart and soul, but don’t detract from the original story or characters.  So, yes, there’s plenty to make you think of Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, Frozen, and so many more Disney films, these elements and references are combined in such a way they bring new life to each film and elevate the current one. If you like Easter eggs and pop culture references, you’ll have a blast with Wish.  

POP QUIZ/SPOILER ALERT

Asha's seven friends are a direct reference and exhibit the characteristic of the Seven Dwarves.

END SPOILERALERT

Filled with great musical numbers, Wish had me seat dancing and head bobbing from beginning to end with a very apt, soaring musical score.  There are definitely two songs destined to be the latest Disney earworms driving you crazy for the next few months.

Wonderful casting with Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, and of course Disney (and my favorite) Alan Tudyk leading the way.  DeBose was actually the inspiration for the character of Asha, so it’s no surprise she does a beautiful job bringing her to life.  Tudyk is well, Tudyk and makes Valentino as charming and endearing as possible.  Then there’s Chris Pine.  He goes full tilt and absolutely nails Magnifico.

Speaking of leaning in hard, Disney goes all in and gives a delightful, scary villain that doesn’t pull any punches.  

And I was all for it.  

So many films these days are giving such weak, watered down baddies they undercut the overall film.  Happily, not the case here.  In fact, there are a few scenes that had me “damning” out loud and wondering if young kids may find it a bit much.  Hence the PG rating I’m guessing.

Wish is fun, entertaining, and classic Disney at its best with a twist.  A perfect tribute to all the creators and artist that have contributed to the magic of Disney animation for the last 100 years.  Thoroughly a job well done and definitely worth a trip to the theater to see at least once on the big screen.  And when you do, heads up, there is one post credit scene at the very end. It’s not long, but it’s sweet and sure to give Disney fans the feels. I know it brought a smile to my lips and a tear to my eyes. 

While I may not make it back to see it again during its theatrical run, but Wish is on my list for repeated viewings going forward and I can’t wait.  It’s a crowd pleaser.

Wish gets a 10 from me.

#wish

The Marvels

 

Wow, it’s been a minute since I’ve ventured out to the theater to check anything out.  The whole life gets in the way thing and all.  

True confession time. I wasn’t particularly interested in going to see this one. I felt like viewing was more of an obligation than a desire. I certainly feel like the MCU has been hit and miss as of late.  Also, try as I might, I simply haven’t gotten into Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel.  There’s just something about the portrayal that fails to garner any more interest from me than... I dunno. Apathy?   As for Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel, I liked her and her series (love the family) overall but have issues with parts of the character portrayal.  Teyonah Parris’s Monica Rambeau has me curious.  

Anywho, with this in mind, I nonetheless geared up and headed out to catch the latest offering from Marvel Studios, The Marvels.  

It’s been almost 24 hours since I watched The Marvels and I’m definitely feeling some kind of way about the film.  What exactly that is, however, I’m still not sure.

I didn’t hate it.  If anything, I feel it was better than I may have expected.  But I also don’t think it’s the greatest either.  I will admit that I’m feeling more hopeful and positive about what’s coming next in the MCU and the direction they seem to be heading than I have felt in a minute.  The one credit scene hit me in the feels, took me to my happy place, and got me really excited. This scene alone made the entire film worthwhile.

Other positives and there are quite a few.

Samuel L. Jackson.  Love him.  Love his portrayal as Fury and he killed me again and again every time he’s on screen.  His dialogue and delivery are pure perfection.  The humor and the humanity he brings to each situation had me laughing, cheering, and vibing throughout.  

As previously mentioned, the Kahn family.  Having them on the big screen is a joy.  Also loved them bringing in some of the Ms Marvel stylistic elements to this project.  

Nia DaCosta’s direction is impressive. Especially how she handles all the amazing fight sequences.  Kudos to her and the editing team pulling off all the body/power switching shenanigans.  

Goose and the Flerkens. 

Good humor. 

Good cameos.

I won’t call them negatives, but I do file these under “my issues”.  

I still don’t have any particular interest in Captain Marvel after this film, but in fairness this is the most engaging portrayal of the character to date. 

Ms Marvel. I understand she’s a “kid” but between the series and events of this film, the endless, over-the-top fawning/fangirling has gotten tedious to me.  She’s been through and seen enough $#@! at this point she shouldn’t still be on 11.  Dial it down and bring it to at least a 6 or 5.  Character development and growth are good things.  

Yes, The Marvels is a more lighthearted and fun film, but the one bit that was just plain silly? No, just plain stupid didn’t do the movie any favors.

The continuing big bad issue.  Once again, our villain, Dar-Benn played by Zawe Ashton is lacking. The character doesn’t have my character development, takes way too long to explain her motive, and for all intents and purposes doesn’t come off as being more than a generic threat.  Lackluster is now the norm, I guess?  They've forgotten the better the villain our heroes to overcome the better the story.

While the writing is strong for the more humorous and lighthearted elements of the film, the dramatic bits are more hit and miss.  There are moments in particular with the three main characters that really come off as forced and contrived.  

As I stated, these aspects of the film may simply be no more than me being a grouchy old woman. So, grain of salt.

My final stance.

Yes, I did enjoy the film. Yes, I’m glad I saw it in the theater. I certainly laughed and left the theater feeling hopeful for what has been set up.  Yet, my overall feelings remain, apathetic toward the film as a whole. 

As such, The Marvels doesn’t get a rating from me.

#TheMarvels