Wish is the magical Disney film we’ve been waiting for. A true love letter to 100 years of Disney storytelling at its best. Wish brings us back to the classic roots of Walt Disney Animation that we all love so much. Wondering if Wish is kid-friendly? What ages is Wish best suited for? Is Wish too scary for kids? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG rating, in my Wish Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers! Disney’s WISH Parents Guide + Movie Review If you are a fan of the classic Disney fairytales and their popular Renaissance Era, then Wish is the movie you’ve been wishing for. From the reminiscent “ Once Upon a Time… ” storybook opening, to the catchy sing-a-long music and stunning animation style, Wish will feel like a warm hug welcoming you home. The Story Wish is set in the magical kingdom of Rosas, ruled by King Magnifico (Chris Pine). Like most Disney rulers, Magnifico is the villain, and he’s one of the best we’ve seen in a long time. He appears charming on the outside, and even handsome. However, we literally watch Magnifico go on a downward spiral and lose control because he is a self-righteous control freak. Asha (Ariana DeBose) is our story’s protagonist. She’s everything you’d want in a Disney heroine. Strong, exuberant, smart, charismatic, and a genuinely good person. Asha is a natural born leader, fiercely protective of her family, and loves the people of Rosas. Speaking of the people of Rosas, the community is a beautiful blend of diversity. In fact, there’s even a song (“I’m a Star”), about how we’re all connected within the universe. It’s a delightful upbeat musical number that’s sure to get you toe-tapping in your seat. The Music Speaking of musical numbers, Wish brings with it an incredible soundtrack. We haven’t had a Disney animated musical since Encanto in 2021. Wish’s soundtrack takes me back to the songs we love from Frozen and Frozen II. This should not come as a surprise, because director Chris Buck, producer Peter Del Vecho, and writer Jennifer Lee, are all key components in the Frozen franchise. Having that particular team collaborating together, gave me great hope that Wish would be a success. This will be one soundtrack, parents and kids alike, will be playing on repeat. The Visuals Wish is a brand new blend of 2D and 3D CGI animation. In simple terms, it’s visually stunning. The colors are crisp, the character movements are flawless, the landscapes are breathtaking, and the scenes flow seamlessly together. In a recent interview I conducted with the directors of Pencils Vs. Pixels, they spoke about the evolution of animation. When I asked them about the future of animation, they spoke about this merging of hand-drawn animation and CGI, and Wish literally does just that! Personally, I feel this style of animation is the perfect celebration to compliment 100 years of Disney. Is Wish Kid-Friendly? Here’s your Parents Guide: Wish goes back to classic Disney era with a villain that is seriously wicked. There is no hidden agenda, there are no surprises, he’s just plain old evil. With a big bad villain like Magnifico, is Wish too scary for kids? Disney’s animated musical, Wish , has an MPAA rating of PG for thematic elements and mild action. It has a runtime of 1 hour 35 minutes. The time duration is really perfect for the whole family, little ones included. Because Wish is a musical, there are a lot of songs to break it up, which kids love. The pacing of the story is well-written, never rushed, nor does it drag on. Wish is a great movie for your kids’ first movie theater experience! Here’s what parents need to know before going to see Wish with their family. Language Language
Disney delivered a true family friendly film with Wish . There is no profanity or even insulting words. There are a few mentions of “butt,” but what kids movie doesn’t mention butts? Violence Overall, the violence is very much toned down. There is dark magic and a sinister villain that inflicts his magic on people. Characters are seen in moments of peril and some moments of intensity are heightened with music. Mature Content Well, it’s a Disney film — death of a parent is briefly mentioned. But are we really surprised? There is some crude humor about eggs coming out of chickens’ butts, and butt humor is used. What is the Age Recommendation for Wish? I rarely rate movies for all ages. There’s usually a fine line that separates what might be okay for some, might not be okay for others. With that being said, Wish is a beautiful film for all ages. I wish I took my 3 year old nephew with me to see this movie. However, this review might not have been written as precisely. Wish is the perfect film for all ages and I’d absolutely recommend seeing it in theaters for a full immersive experience. Does Disney’s Wish have an End-Credit Scene? Yes. There is one post credit scene in Wish . Also, as the credits roll there are animated stills from every single Walt Disney Animated film in the order of their release. It’s a wonderful walk down memory lane. Overall Thoughts Disney Animation Studios proved with Wish that going back to the basics isn’t always a bad thing. Disney fans will love the animation style and the simple, yet magical story of Wish . Sometimes simple is better. We don’t always need complexity. A good story will always be a good story. If you love hunting for Easter eggs, then you’re in for a real treat. You would need to see Wish multiple times to count all the hidden gems tucked within this film. There are SO many good ones I caught, but I cannot wait to see it again to look for more! Everyone loves a good Disney sidekick, and Wish gives us TWO! Valentino (Alan Tudyk), the adorable baby goat with a surprisingly deep voice, and Star, the sweet whimsical ball of energy. Together, this pair deliver lots of laughs. Overall, Wish is a celebration of 100 years of Disney movie magic, and it’s done eloquently. It has a solid message of the strength of uniting and coming together. Wish is all about hope and the power of a simple wish and believing in ourselves. It’s heartfelt and a timeless treasure that captures the magic of Disney storytelling. Wish Synopsis Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish” is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino, the film is helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, and produced by Peter Del Vecho and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones. With a screenplay by Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore, original songs by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice, plus original score by composer Dave Metzger, “Wish” opens only in theaters on Nov. 22, 2023. I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS WISH PARENTS GUIDE AND MOVIE REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. WISH IS NOW PLAYING IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE! Looking for more parent guides and movie reviews? Don’t miss these posts HERE! Don’t forget to grab your free printable Wish Activity packet HERE!!
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