The animated film was dubbed by Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine and developed by the team Snow Queenis a joy for young and old and allows studios to finally get back to the quality that made them famous.
In recent years, Disney studios have been struggling to find their footing and the overall quality of their productions is suffering, whether we’re thinking of Encanto: The Fantastic Madrigal Family or even Avalonia, a Strange World, to name a few. . Luckily, The Wish: Asha and the Lucky Star is a great film.
Developed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the studios founded by Walt Disney, “The Wish: Asha and the Lucky Star” is based on an idea central to all of the company’s animated fairy tales: granting a wish to a star. The script, signed by Jennifer Lee, head of studios and mastermind of Frozen, and Allison Moore, takes us to the kingdom of Rosas. There Magnifico (voice of Chris Pine in the original version), an irritable, controlling and self-confident king, jealously watches over the wishes that his subjects fulfill. And he only grants one per month; the one who poses the least danger to Rosas, during a magnificent ceremony to which the entire kingdom is invited.
However, Asha (voice of Ariana DeBose), a young girl who only wants to become Magnifico’s apprentice, finds this practice unfair. To defy the ruler’s wishes, she can count on the help of Star, an adorable little star that descends from the sky, and Valentino (voice of Alan Tudyk), a goat with a hilarious voice.
Actress Ariana DeBose lends her voice to Asha and Chris Pine’s character, King Magnifico, in Disney Studios’ new musical film, “The Wish: Asha and the Lucky Star,” hitting theaters November 22, 2023. Photo provided by Disney
A beauty festival
A true homage to all the animated classics from the venerable House of Mouse, The Wish: Asha and the Lucky Star is expertly directed by directors Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn. It looks like watercolors and is reminiscent of Blanche’s Snow and the Seven Dwarfs drawings. (1937), Dumbo (1941) and even Lilo and Stitch (2002). And the most surprising thing is that the animation team also managed to incorporate the sophisticated and modern look of Sleeping Beauty (1959), a studio masterpiece whose echoes can even be found in The Queen of Snow!
And these aren’t the only references to Disney classics. From Bambi (1942) to Fantasia (1940), to Alice in Wonderland (1951) or Cinderella (1950), allusions and winks are used in almost every scene, which causes joy and amazement for some.
The plot is a worthy successor to Frozen and Raya and the Last Dragon. We are once again (and that’s a good thing) far from the princess waiting for her prince. Asha is a modern, confident young girl who does not lack humor (the goat Valentino is also perfect for humor).
Ariana DeBose lends her voice to Asha and Alan Tudyk’s character, Valentino, the little goat, in the new Disney musical film “The Wish: Asha and the Lucky Star,” hitting theaters November 22, 2023. Photo provided by Disney
As in the past, the songs – yes, it is a musical – are impeccably well integrated, the pieces enriching the theme and moving the story forward. Of particular note is “This Is the Thank I Get?!”, sung by Chris Pine (yes, he can sing!), a little gem of irony in which Magnifico complains about the lack of recognition from his subjects.
The fight will be tough during the Oscars on March 10. Who from The Wish: Asha and the Lucky Star and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will win the ultimate prize? And the choice is so difficult that we hope that the two films will have equal rights.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5