Disney marks centennial with new animated movie

In “Wish,” sharp-witted idealist Asha (DeBose) makes a wish so powerful, it’s answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star.

To mark its 100th anniversary this year, the Walt Disney Animation Studios came up with a new feature-length animated movie that opens in Philippine cinemas today. At the invitational screening held at Glorietta in Makati last Saturday, the audience consisted of guests—both young and old—of the Ayala Malls Cinemas.

To ensure no audio or videos would be leaked before the grand opening on Nov. 22, guests were asked to turn in their mobile phones and smart watches, which in hindsight was a good thing because it allowed us to focus on the movie.

“Wish” tells the tale of Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose), a quick-witted idealist whose powerful wish is granted by an actual star. Together, they try to stop the island’s ruler, King Magnifico (Chris Pine), from keeping the residents’ dearest wishes as his own.

On paper, the movie must have been charming, but the execution of this modern-day parable leaves much to be desired. It’s marketed as a “musical comedy,” but the songs don’t stick and the jokes, if there were any, fall flat.

Scenes that mimic classics

For those of us who grew up watching animated classics like “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Cinderella” and “Snow White,” there are portions in “Wish” that reference key scenes and which might bring a smile to your face.

In one scene, Magnifico mimics the scorn of Ursula the sea witch in “The Little Mermaid” when he declares, “So much for true love!” When tendrils of poisonous green start to spread throughout the kingdom, we were reminded of the castle in “Sleeping Beauty.”

Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose) and King Magnifico (Chris Pine) —PHOTOS COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS

There are also several cameos to keep your eyes out for, including a singing bear and a boy who won’t grow up.

Prior to the Saturday afternoon screening, Ayala Malls treated guests to several games and activities at the Glorietta Activity Center, as well as a special performance by Zephanie Dimaranan of “Aking Hiling,” the Filipino rendition of the movie’s main soundtrack. She will once again perform the song on the Wish 107.5 Bus on Nov. 25 and at her upcoming meet and greet at Ayala Malls Central Bloc. INQ