My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analyses: november 2023

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies.

Make sure to leave a comment if you like this site! And if there's something you think could be improved, please let me know. But in a constructive way, please. And just a note; I'm not a Native English writer, so my incorrect grammar may be notable.

And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize

At least the tagline isn`t copyrighted The Pussycat Dolls anymore :)

Yes, you make me look
stupid, Star :)

Regarding which timeline Disney is in now, it`s interesting to wonder if Disney has actually left the Revival era and has now entered a new era. However, the Revival era has been interesting to examinate for many reasons. It was the time where Disney decided to reintroduce Hand Drawn Animation again with The Princess and the Frog and the much less hyped Winnie the Pooh. With limited success. However, regardless of how the former wasn`t the comeback for hand drawn animation, the Revival era has still milked something that Disney has been synonymous with for many years: The Princesses. In fact, there`s hardly been a time where Disney has launched so many Princesses than the Revival era. And sure, it could be easily assumed that it`s due to the success of the Princess Franchise.

Yes, I`m (Magnifico)
just a mirage :)
Otherwise you`ve
would`ve seen the rest of
my body :)

But the reputation of the Princess stigma is nothing but a sheer irony, as The Princess and the Frog made both Disney and the audience believe that audiences steered away from it cause it had the word "Princess" in it. And therefore desperately renamed Rapunzel to Tangled. It also fueled the vague rumor that Disney would steer away from movies that starred Princesses (despite how it was just a rumor). But the success of Tangled proved otherwise. However, after Tiana from Frog, Disney would add two more non-White) Princesses with Moana and Raya and the Last Dragon (despite how the latter wasn`t originally announced as Royal). At least Encanto was distinctive enough to center around a (non-White) female musical and not having her be Royal. But after Disney eventually morphed into a very short sequel phase after Moana (which gave us the mandatory Frozen II), we`ve mostly gotten original properties (which is fortunate for Disney purists who loathes the idea of a sequel).

General Information About Wish

My braids were inspired by
Alicia Keys :)

Being released November 22 in the United States, Wish is essentially the newest entry to Disney`s Pantheon and the 62th Animated Feature in the official Disney Canon list. However, since Disney is after all turning a 100 old this year, it`s existing to serve as a valentine to the Centennial celebration. Helmed by the one half of Tarzan and Frozen`s team, Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn (in her feature directorial debut). And produced by Peter Del Vecho (Treasure Planet, The Princess and the Frog, Frozen, Raya and the Last Dragon) and Juan Pablo Reyes. And written by Jennifer Lee (Wreck-It-Ralph, Frozen) and Allison Moore.

At least it`s not 1001
Nights :) Don`t ask
why :)

Wish stars the voices of Ariana DeBose as Asha (West Side Story), Chris Pine as King Magnifico, Disney`s good luck charm Alan Tudyk as Valentino, Angelique Cabral as Queen Amaya, Victor Garber as Sabino, Natasha Rothwell as Sakina, Evan Peters as Simon, Harvey Guillén as Gabo, Ramy Youssef as Safi and Jon Rudnitsky as Dario. And while Wish isn`t a throwback to the shortlived trend of renaming the Princess movies to adjective titles (cough, Tangled and Frozen, cough), at least it`s title makes sense and doesn`t feel as contrived and insipid (it came early in production). The scope is Widescreen and the songs are from Julia Michaels (who`s written songs for Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber and Gwen Stefani), who sang in Demi Lovato’s end-credit version of Let It Go and is the youngest songwriter for Disney to date. Dave Metzger (who`s worked on Tarzan, Brother Bear, Moana, Wreck-It-Ralph, Frozen) is the composer.

The Components and Trademarks of Both Wish and Asha`s Race

Yes, I`m afraid of you :)
Cause you look creepy
with your smile :)
Duuh :)

What`s notable about Wish is that`s it`s essentially Disney`s bread and butter: A Musical starring a Heroine, Asha (who looks like a blend of Pocahontas and Isabela from Encanto, despite how the Pocahontas comparison is nothing but expected). While it would`ve been easy to assume would`ve most likely become a Princess, the truth is that Disney has remarkably enough dared to stray away of making her Royal. Which really is remarkable of having churned Princess after Princess through a whole decade. Despite how it would`ve been highly likely that Asha would`ve joined the Princess franchise after all. As the term Disney Princess has also applied to the heroine archetype, as the Franchise has also included non-Royals (cough, Mulan, cough). However, Asha happens to be notable for being another non-White heroine for Disney (despite that Asha, just like Hiro, is remarkably enough a biracial heroine. As the speculations of her race has been rumored, due to how DeBose is Afro-Latina). At least Asha does essentially something that is semi-new for a Disney Heroine: To work as a guide.

I wanted to pose like
a greek statue :)

While Disney now had three non-White Heroines in a row since Moana, it would`ve been tempting to call this trend woke. However, while most of the Revival films had elements of Woke to them, it`s tempting to call both last years forgotten Strange World and Wish for being the most Woke of all. For blending elements that are purely Woke. And the setting of Wish is as Woke as they come, for making a fictional, Iberian setting (instead of adapting an actual Iberian setting). With an eclectic cast and incorporating a heroine who`s half Northern African (inspired from Amazigh people) and half Iberian (which technically makes Asha the second African heroine after Tiana from Frog. Which makes Wish and Pixar`s Soul all more impressive to adapt African after the backlash of Frog).

I wanted to look
cross-eyed. At
least somewhat :)

At least both Raya and Encanto were distinctive enough on their own right: The former being an actual Princess movie that dared to not be a musical in the movie. And the latter for having a non-Royal heroine and being a musical. But if we`re going to compare Wish to both of them, Wish should`ve definitively been similar to Encanto, since Asha is a commoner. But despite this, it would be fair to say that Wish is more legitimally inspired by the movies that starred Princesses. Cause let`s face it, that comparison is fair. But while there was a time where Disney wasn`t so stuck with the Princess staple, as they made a feature starring a non-Royal Heroine in the Renaissance (cough, Mulan, cough), at least Wish was deliberately inspired by the Princess movies. For being a Valentine to Disney`s History.

The Plot and Premise of Wish

Be glad that you`re not seeing
what`s outside, Pinoke :)
Cause it`s a UFO outside :)

What`s peculiar about Wish is simply the plot. Of how it`s being centered around the origins of a wishing star. While a star has always been an iconic trademark in Disney, as it started with Pinocchio (despite how it`s been present in Disney afterwards, it`s still been used differently). And is something that Disney have also to a degree mocked afterwards (Chicken Little, Lilo & Stitch, The Princess and the Frog), it`s remarkable how Wish is deliberately dedicated to the origins of a wishing star. The idea sounds hackneyed and such a premise may scream meta, since it`s something that would`ve been present in a Disney spoof. But at least the premise of Wish is deliberate, as it was made to honor something that Disney are known for.

Yes, I (Asha) made you :)
Yay! :)

However, the plot of

Wish is essentially the story of Asha, who lives in the ficitional Kingdom of Rosas (in a village called Hamlet). A 17-years old sharp-witted idealist, Asha senses a darkness that no one else does about the kingdom's ruler King Magnifico. She makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force: A little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha, Valentino the goat (the second Disney goat after Djali from The Hunchback of Notre Dame) and Star confront 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. The timeline for the story is Medieval Times.

The Villain and the Lack of Love Interest of Wish

Yes, I made it myself :)
Despite that it took too many
hours :)

While Wish is certainly steeped in most of Disney archetypical traditions (a musical with a heroine, cute animal sidekicks), at least it does bring one ancient tradition back. Something that Disney have been lacking lately: A Traditional Villain (Pine was deliberately chosen for his charisma). While Disney have strayed away from them lately, the villains on the Revival era have mostly been twist villains or been misunderstood antagonists. But frankly, the new villains have lacked the appeal and charisma that truly makes a Disney villain great. However, Wish also excludes completely something that has applied to most of the Disney Heroines since Merida from Brave: A love interest. Due to the ongoing scrutiny of the Disney Princesses and despite how they have shown even greater feminist streak, the exclusion of a love interest seems to be a new unwritten norm for Disney Princess feminism.

Who`s the cutest of us,
Grandpa? :)

While there`s nothing wrong by having single heroines, it would`ve still been an unfortunate pity if the love interest was never brought back. At least Wish has a female friend for a Disney heroine, which is something rare after Nakoma in Pocahontas, Charlotte in Frog and Naamari in Raya (despite how she was a antagonist, she did became a friend to the Princess at last). But at least Dahlia will be disabled (which is a good woke-trend). However, Wish also gives the mandatory trend of giving a Disney heroine a mother (Sakina). Yet it`s still a pity that just as in Frog (and in Quest for Camelot), the heroine is just stuck with a mother, but the late father is the main focus. But at least it does give a Disney heroine a grandfather, which is something new for a Disney feature.

The Visual Look

Elsa froze the first picture :)

But what makes Wish really stand out from it`s Disney predecessors, is
it`s visual look. It`s certainly more graphic and painterly than the usual CGI look, bringing the thoughts to Paperman and the new Spider-Man animated movies. It was a deliberate choice from the get-go. And frankly, it`s closer to the painterly look that was rumored for Tangled back in 2010.

This is my mighty pose :)

In fact, while such a look is somewhat invigorating for Disney, it`s still a pity that Disney couldn`t bring the painterly look further even further (no offense). Or have it actually look even more hand drawn than it actually looked. While the crew were initially considering to have the style be completely hand drawn, they still had too many limitations. Michael Giamo (Pocahontas, Frozen) was the art director, alongside with Lisa Keene (Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, Hunchback, Atlantis The Lost Empire, Frozen).

The Information About Wish Released To The Public

Even a Disney Heroine can do
her homework :)

As for the information about Wish that has been released to the public prior to it`s release, just as with the Revival movies, the information about Wish has been revealed scattered. While there were some false rumors about Disney adapting The Princess and the Pea for 2022, Wish was finally unveiled at Disney`s D23 Expo in 2022. With a concept art, a display and short footage of animation. DeBose sang the "I Want"-song This Wish (which was called More than Us back then). At least it`s the information for Wish to the public was more than it was for Raya on it`s Expo. Even back then it was implied that Wish was going to feature a villain. In November 2022, the names of Sabino and Queen Amaya were revealed. Star made an appearance in the end credits for Strange World. And Buck teased that there would be a lot of Easter Eggs in the movie. In December 2022, a short article from Total Film Magazine was released.

These parts will form to an
Angel :) Just wait and see :)

In January and April, the list of books was released, as well as the Spanish subtitle for Wish. In April, a still of Magnifico was released. A preview was shown in CinemaCon in Las Vegas (where it was compared to Encanto). A lucky girl (Jazz Smith) was given the chance to see Wish with DeBose through Good Morning America. The teaser was also released that month, as well as the teaser poster and some new stills. The French subtitle was also revealed, as well as an image of Asha and the Star alongside the upcoming releases for 2023. A tweet about This Wish was also published, praising the song. In May, a new TV spot was leaked, as was the cover of the Art of-book. And some other books, as DeBose gave some words about her character. Some tweets were praising the movie.

This Kingdom is odd, indeed :)
Don`t ask us why :)

In June, some new book

covers were leaked. A screening was held in Annecy that month, where two songs were shown (where Buck was not present). The two scenes shown were when Asha meets Magnifico and the argument between Asha and her family. Lee also presented the film in Spain, Italy and France in (where the songs were praised). Other book covers were also released. A preview was also shown in New Orleans at the 2023 Essence Festival of Culture. In July, a cover of a puzzle was released (which revealed the first picture of Amaya) and some 2D art of other products. And some concept art, new book covers and character posters. And a submission to work as Asha at Walt Disney World. And the Japanese poster and standee.

In August, a new promotional video was released, alongside with more book covers. And confirmations about production being complete. And another picture of a puzzle and a new shot of Star. And some instagrams about the running time of the movie and some other posters from Sanjay Creates. An Q&A press conference was also held. And some footage in both Mexico and Toronto, Canada was shown. More book covers and some backpacks were revealed. As well as an YouTube-interview with the producers and a TV spot. And some leaks of the names of Lego sets. Wish was also added to the Disney Awards website.

We`re both alpha females,
cause or names begins with
a :)

In September, some artwork was released, as well as a new picture of Asha and Magnifico, a new Spanish interview with Lee. As well as some new book covers and toys (like plush, lego and Mattel dolls). And a new interview with DeVecho. And some pictures of the backpacks. And a announcement of Asha coming to the Disney parks before the release of Wish. Wish was a part of DestinationD23 where Asha appeared and some clips were shown, as well as an clip of Asha and Star. And some book synopsises and puzzles. And some merchandise by other things. And a picture of a calendar. And an article of Entertainment Weekly. And the final trailer (which was the most viewed Disney trailer since Frozen II, at least until the teaser for Inside Out 2 arrived) and the poster and a couple of other articles. And some new official pictures. The last month before the release, a song was unveiled each Wedensday on YouTube, Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and all digital service providers. Asha also appeared in Once Upon a Studio alongside Snow White and Mulan.

Behind the Scenes Information

This is what the Dwarfs
cottage should`ve looked
like :)

The desire for Wish was having it to be a valentine to Disney: To
symbolize what the company stands for. Production began in 2018. The idea came from directors Buck and Lee, despite how he wasn`t originally the director. Lee was originally too busy to write the film, but still wrote it. And yes, Disney have been marketing as it`s first original fairy tale, as it was a deliberate chocie to make something original. Asha`s motivational goals were inspired by Malala Yousafazai, Greta Thunberg and Amanda Gorman. The wishing tree was inspired from Walt`s own dreaming tree from Marceline, Missouri. And a tree in Burbank where people made their wishes (as Asha`s town wrote their wishes on cloths to the Wishing Tree).

Your taking your first flying
step :) I`m so proud of you,
son :)

This Wish was written before the team had settled on a story. Bringing the objects to life on Magnifico`s desk was a nod to The Sorcerer`s Apprentice in Fantasia. Valentino himself was created by Buck. Just as with Frozen,

Michaels ideas made Lee to rewrite some of the script around the ideas that Michaels brought to the table. When imagining Asha’s abode, Keene took inspiration from Gustaf Tenngren and Kay Nielsen. People wanted a complex villain on test screenings, so therefore Magnifico has his motivations.

I wish I could fly out in the
blue :)

Rosas was inspired by Pinocchio`s village, but also by Romanesque architecture. And Mudéjar art. Rosas was inspired by Alhambra de Granada, la Mezquita de Córdoba o el Real Alcázar de Sevilla from SpainThe Medieval setting was chosen due to how it was before people started to tell fairytales and supposed to explain how fairytales and wishing upon a star came to be. Originally Star had a human form, changed shape and could talk. But he worked better in pantomime. But Star was the character who took longest time to create. Originally Star was limitless and he didn`t worked. His final design embodied 1920`s sensibility. Star`s appearance was inspired by Peter Pan and Mickey Mouse. And he was originally going to represent Sabino in younger form (as Sabino would pass away in an earlier version).

At least it looks better than
any mystical bayou :)

The look of Hamlet was inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. And was deliberately muted to make it look safe, as opposed to Rosas, who were lit to make it look the opposite. Originally it was going to be a hiding place for Asha and her friends. It`s look was going to be more realistic. The beech forest was inspired from a cooler climate than Spain. Torre del Oro in Seville was an inspiration for Magnifico`s castle. Purple was chosen for Asha, as it`s a cultural code of hope. Her shoes were inspired by Princess Diana`s shoes. And unlike recent Disney releases (who were headed straight to Disney Plus), Wish will have a long run at theaters. It`s production budget is $200 million.

Epilogue

At the end, Wish is essentially another entry to Disney`s evergrowing library of movies. And sure, since it`s steeped in Disney`s everlasting, arcetypical traditions of a heroine and a musical (yes, for once we can skip the Princess debate, shall we?), it`s surely to be both compared to it`s Fairy Tale Predecessors. And yes, it`s fair to say that the expectations to it have been very high. The most exciting thing about it if it`s going to be a success. Considering that the post-John Lasseter era have failed commercially in Theaters (for three theories: The Pandemic, streaming and the issue of how original properties doesn`t attract moviegoers anymore), it`s exciting if it`s going to be a success. However, considering how Wish is essentially a Centennial film and celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Disney, it has a lot of weight on it`s shoulders, anyways.

However, while some pre-screenings of Wish were praising it, the final reception from critics has been lukewarm. Many of the reviews have trashed the film, criticizing it for being too soulless and lacking the magic of Disney. However, the final consensus of audiences have been mixed as well. Still, to summarize how Wish has done commercially so far, ticket sales fell short of expectations with a weak $19.5 million over the traditional weekend and $31.7 million over the five days. And it tumbled to third place behind Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Ridley Scott’s Napoleon. It was meant to earn $35 million over the traditional weekend and $45 million to $50 million in its first five days of release. And it’s a far cry from Disney’s previous Thanksgiving releases. Wish also added $17.3 million at the international box office, opening in just 27 markets (about 40% of its eventual overseas footprint), bringing its global tally to $49 million. However, since Wish has recently been released, let`s hope that it will have a better reception in the future...