Wish

[Mooky]

I guess this is the new version of "it's the story that matters, not the medium" corporate BS speak. To hear Lee, a creative, say hand-drawn animation is limiting in terms of characterization, is beyond defeating. If anything, hand-drawn animation is superior when it comes to characters emoting and characters acting, those very things that give characters their personality.

Unless you're making an effects heavy/action movie, camera movements should be on the very bottom of the list of reasons why you opt for one medium over another. Gorgeous, breath-taking, sweeping shots have successfully been produced in hand-drawn films before.

This is super disappointing.

However, Lee said their upcoming short, Once Upon a Studio, ended up becoming the project that celebrates Disney’s 2D and 3D traditions. “We didn't know if it would work, and it did,” she shared.

It works in theory. In practice, characters look subpar and you relegated it to Disney+. And apparently you don't mind mining 2D animation when people need to be reminded of Disney's legacy and when you need to sell a product, but heaven forbid you actually do something new and concrete with it.

Long story short, don't expect any real return of hand-drawn animation.

EDIT: I've browsed several comment sections under the trailer, both on YT and Instagram, and a lot of people who don't appear to be animation aficionados are asking why the animation looks "unfinished". That speaks volumes about this "technology that could finally take away limitations."

[Farerb]

I also had issues with the trailer but I didn't want to say anything because I feel that I might have been too negative about the film that it was too dispiriting to people, but then others went on to say exactly what I felt, especially The Disneynerd.
I will only add that the trailer felt like something Disney Toons would make, like those Tinker Bell movies.

Just like it happened with Encanto, my anticipation for this film decreases with each new information about it.

Unfortunately:

I did pre order the art book because I thought that the art they presented at D23 was beautiful, but I may cancel my order if I don't like the teaser or the trailer.

CANCELLED!
I might get it after I watch the movie and if I like it.

[reee9948]

The animation does look unfinished, but when they show part of the movie in the night time, the animation looked really good! I'm assuming that this movie takes place mostly at night (it would be really cool if they did). Though that's not an excuse for unfinished look in the day time setting. Though I'm sure it would look better in theater.

[Farerb]

Mooky, Jennifer Lee is just tiptoeing around the subject because she can't say they have neither the pipeline nor enough men to make a full length hand drawn feature.

[D82]

I've now watched the dubbed trailer for Spain and, interestingly, Asha's name is pronounced differently there. They pronounce it like it didn't have an "h". In the Latin American version, though, it's pronounced like in the US. I wonder why that is.

So now we have a confirmed seven songs (including a reprise), one of which is the King Magnifico villain song, "This is the Thanks I Get". I have read in one of the articles somewhere that describes this song as "both fun and menacing", it sounds like this will be the "Poor Unfortunate Souls", "Gaston" type of song other than the "Be Prepared", "Hellfire" type.

That's possible. I think that song and "I'm a Star" are the two I'm more curious to hear.

To hear Lee, a creative, say hand-drawn animation is limiting in terms of characterization, is beyond defeating. If anything, hand-drawn animation is superior when it comes to characters emoting and characters acting, those very things that give characters their personality.

Unless you're making an effects heavy/action movie, camera movements should be on the very bottom of the list of reasons why you opt for one medium over another. Gorgeous, breath-taking, sweeping shots have successfully been produced in hand-drawn films before.

I agree.

The part with Asha and Dahlia is appealing, as are the moments with the chubby Kristoff-like guy, the part where Asha runs up the branches of the tree and having the camera swirling around her (which reminded me of Pocahontas), and with King Magnifico and Queen Amaya (despite how there`s little that suggest that Magnifico will be a great villain).

I think the camera swirling around Asha in that shot is indeed a nod to Pocahontas. And I believe there are at least two other references to the film in the trailer. The big and seemingly old tree where Asha is when she makes her wish reminds me a lot of Grandmother Willow, and the ends of the green magic effects coming from Magnifico's hands look similar to the wolfs made of smoke Kekata creates with his magic in the scene where he warns the tribe about the "pale visitors."

Another thing that made me think of a past Disney film is Asha being a fugitive. At first, I thought it was something interesting and new for a Disney protagonist, but then the cloak she wears reminded me of Esmeralda and how that also happened to her in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

It's interesting, though, that Magnifico seems to try to turn Asha's friends against her. At least, the Sleepy-inspired character whose wish of becoming a knight or something like that he grants. He's later shown next to the king when he announces Asha is a traitor, and is not part of the group that breaks into Magnifico's tower. Dahlia is not there either, but I guess that's because due to her disability, she can't help in that way. I guess he'll change and join the group again eventually, though. Since he's voiced by Evan Peters, which is a better-known actor than the ones voicing the other Teens, he'll probably have a bigger role than most of the rest.

I also wanted to ask you, Prince Kido, if the painting or tapestry behind Magnifico in the shot below is the one you mentioned in your footage description and if the brief snippet of the song we hear at the end of the trailer is "I'm a Star."

[Farerb]

It's interesting, though, that Magnifico seems to try to turn Asha's friends against her. At least, the Sleepy-inspired character whose wish of becoming a knight or something like that he grants. He's later shown next to the king when he announces Asha is a traitor, and is not part of the group that breaks into Magnifico's tower. Dahlia is not there either, but I guess that's because due to her disability, she can't help in that way. I guess he'll change and join the group again eventually, though. Since he's voiced by Evan Peters, which is a better-known actor than the ones voicing the other Teens, he'll probably have a bigger role than most of the rest.

He's also not there when Asha shows the group the dancing chickens.

[D82]

Some new official stills have been released:

STARRING ROLE – In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 'Wish,' sharp-witted idealist Asha (voice of Ariana DeBose) makes a wish so powerful, it’s answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star.


SORCERER KING – In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ‘Wish,’ King Magnifico (Chris Pine) has the magical ability to grant wishes. But when 17-year-old Asha is compelled to challenge the powerful sorcerer, Magnifico turns to a forbidden resource.


DANCING CHICKENS – In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ‘Wish,’ Asha’s pajama-wearing goat Valentino (Alan Tudyk) makes the most of the magic that accompanies a little ball of boundless energy called Star. And if that means orchestrating a performance of dancing chickens, he’s all in.


WISHES DO COME TRUE – In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ‘Wish,’ Asha (Ariana DeBose) is a sharp-witted idealist who lives in Rosas — a kingdom where wishes really do come true.

Sources:
https://photos.mouseinfo.com/Official-I ... sion/Wish/
https://mamasgeeky.com/2023/09/wish-foo ... ction.html
https://www.fandom.com/articles/disneys ... of-dynamic


There's also some new concept art in these articles:

https://thathashtagshow.com/2023/09/27/ ... ess-event/
https://geekvibesnation.com/truly-a-fil ... ess-event/
https://www.laughingplace.com/w/disney- ... rytelling/
https://attractionsmagazine.com/walt-di ... e-of-wish/

He's also not there when Asha shows the group the dancing chickens.

You're right. It seems he'll be separated from the group quite early on.

[Sotiris]

What makes the movie seem weak to me is that there is no real emotional Personal attachment to it unlike other timeless movies (Frozen with being afraid of what others think of you, Aladdin with playing a role to feel worthy, and Tiana with feeling like youre so close to your dreams and feeling helpless to reach them etc.) ALL things people can relate to and DRIVE people to root for them and seeing yourself in them, but this?....nope. Just because Asha is a Person with moral doesnt automatically make her likable or relatable, and if "trying to make the wishes for others true" is the message of the story...

It probably feels that way because Asha doesn't have a dream of her own. All she wants is to help her family/community. Disney heroines nowadays are not allowed to have dreams or desires that might be seen as selfish.

Mooky, Jennifer Lee is just tiptoeing around the subject because she can't say they have neither the pipeline nor enough men to make a full length hand drawn feature.

We know, but it's still insulting to claim the reason for that is the superior camera movements and characterization of CG. During the Lasseter era the excuse was that the medium was chosen by the director which was obviously untrue, but at least it didn't put down 2D.

[Farerb]

What makes the movie seem weak to me is that there is no real emotional Personal attachment to it unlike other timeless movies (Frozen with being afraid of what others think of you, Aladdin with playing a role to feel worthy, and Tiana with feeling like youre so close to your dreams and feeling helpless to reach them etc.) ALL things people can relate to and DRIVE people to root for them and seeing yourself in them, but this?....nope. Just because Asha is a Person with moral doesnt automatically make her likable or relatable, and if "trying to make the wishes for others true" is the message of the story...

It probably feels that way because Asha doesn't have a dream of her own. All she wants is to help her family/community. Disney heroines nowadays are not allowed to have dreams or desires that might be seen as selfish.

Didn't Jennifer Lee say Asha was an activist? Or am I confusing her with Snow White? Seems like these two movies have a lot in common.

[reee9948]

Disney doesn't really know how to make good trailer. I know they are trying to appeal to the kids, but whenever I would rewatch the trailer, I would skip certain part of it because I would find it cringe worthy. I honestly like the teaser more because it shows more of the epic, mysterious side of the story while the trailer just make me scare that it would be like Elemental. If you watch the Elemental teaser and trailer, they both have quite a different vibe.

[Farerb]

'Wish' Co-Writer Jennifer Lee Reveals What Makes Asha Such a Relatable Character
https://collider.com/wish-movie-jennifer-lee-interview/

[Thumper_93]

I think that Tinker Bell films are still looking good. However I have the feeling that this movie is going to look old and weird I’m a few years. I also have the feeling that some scenes look better than others, maybe it's only my perception…

[carolinakid]

My take.... I was not impressed by the animation, and the story and characters (especially the “Teens” which seem to exist just to check boxes) don’t really appeal to me. I’ll catch this one on DVD.

I’d still love to see a fairy tale tale or story set in authentic Spain.

[The Disneynerd]

I also had issues with the trailer but I didn't want to say anything because I feel that I might have been too negative about the film that it was too dispiriting to people, but then others went on to say exactly what I felt, especially The Disneynerd.
I will only add that the trailer felt like something Disney Toons would make, like those Tinker Bell movies.

Aw thanks Farerb! Glad I'm not the only one thinking this way. Also was afraid that I come off as too mean but critizising and speaking your truth is always better than acting like everything is good to consume just because majority says so. I also think it has Disney Toon DNA, feels more like a fanmade movie or Disney Spin off of the brand based on the story and animation.

Unfortunately:

I did pre order the art book because I thought that the art they presented at D23 was beautiful, but I may cancel my order if I don't like the teaser or the trailer.

CANCELLED!
I might get it after I watch the movie and if I like it.

Oh thats unfortunate but clearly understandable! I think im still getting it though! Got all the revival ones up to Encanto except Strange World of course (still havent watched the movie and dont plan to ). I love Disney Artbooks and all the background animation so what Wish could have been drives me for this book

There's also some new concept art in these articles:

https://thathashtagshow.com/2023/09/27/ ... ess-event/
https://geekvibesnation.com/truly-a-fil ... ess-event/
https://www.laughingplace.com/w/disney- ... rytelling/
https://attractionsmagazine.com/walt-di ... e-of-wish/

Oh the links dont work for me Really unfortunate cause me lovesssssss concept art

He's also not there when Asha shows the group the dancing chickens.

You're right. It seems he'll be separated from the group quite early on.

I dont know why but I think its a tribute to Phoebus where he works for the law and kingdom and over time learns the truth and fights along for whats right

What makes the movie seem weak to me is that there is no real emotional Personal attachment to it unlike other timeless movies (Frozen with being afraid of what others think of you, Aladdin with playing a role to feel worthy, and Tiana with feeling like youre so close to your dreams and feeling helpless to reach them etc.) ALL things people can relate to and DRIVE people to root for them and seeing yourself in them, but this?....nope. Just because Asha is a Person with moral doesnt automatically make her likable or relatable, and if "trying to make the wishes for others true" is the message of the story...

It probably feels that way because Asha doesn't have a dream of her own. All she wants is to help her family/community. Disney heroines nowadays are not allowed to have dreams or desires that might be seen as selfish.

Youre completely right Sotiris! Its as if Asha only lives for others! The aspect of dreams and goals are what makes the characters so remarkable and you could argue that Disney heroines have done something like this before, like Esmeralda for example (where she was fighting for everyones Justice and equality) but what distinguishes her from Asha is that she wasnt only doing it for others, but also for herself, as her community and herself were treated unfairly. Or Kida, where she fought for Atlantis and her community, but also because she could have lost her family and her home, her world and existence were threatened too, so her actions were also reasonable and relatable, again, unlike Asha. To make sure that everyones wish gets granted doesnt seem reasonable enough to start a riot in my opinion.
Unlike any other Disney character, Asha has nothing to loose or to risk.
And if Disney really thinks that having dreams is an act of selfishness ... dreams are what keep people alive! (atleast in my case ) Having personal goals for yourself is nothing to feel bad for. The dream part is what makes my favourite Disney characters my favourites, like Belle, Rapunzel & Ariel, Aladdin, their dreams are what makes it able for me to see myself in them, not how their destinctive personalities are, their worldviews or how they look, THATS the universal thing, not the "u need to be always nice and friendly to everything" i mean being nice is also great but thats not an aspect that makes me wanna be bestfriends with someone... thats why I think villains are sometimes even more interesting or more memorable than the main heroes, like Hades or Queen of hearts or Cruella for example. (Thats why on tiktok or youtube there are always those videos with the villain being the most relatable character for 8 minutes straight ) u dont have those moments with the perfect hero characters that play it too save.

For me making a good movie should start with something personal or something you struggle with and a loose idea what your character learns with that, AFTERWARDS find a fairytale (or story) that deals with something similar or with characters that already offer the same overall idea or moral and then you can build upon that and adapt it , add your little twist and naturally make it your own! (Aladdin was build like that I think and look how great and timeless it turned out to be )
But Disney not the other way around! Dont start by adapting a Fairytale because its popular or interesting and then having to struggle to find the heart of the story only to figure out there is nothing emotional or relatable for you in the story that makes it work out (Frozen 2 ), leading to its cancellation (looking at u, dear GIGANTIC)

Didn't Jennifer Lee say Asha was an activist? Or am I confusing her with Snow White? Seems like these two movies have a lot in common.

Lol youre right. Thats the problem with those 2. Those 2 characters only life for their community with no personal goals on their own Actually it sounds good on paper, but the execution seems forced and unnatural. It could work out great if you have your own personal dream and goal at the beginning of the movie, but later have to learn to sacrifice your dream in order to do whats your duty for your community: For example new Snow White could start off as this naive lovely innocent girl that longs for a prince to rescue her, but throughout the movie, having to learn that she has to put matters into her own hands and becomes this hero person to her kingdom she can still have her romantic relationship in the end . But FULLY denying love and to start off the movie with only being an activist? #notrelatable

'Wish' Co-Writer Jennifer Lee Reveals What Makes Asha Such a Relatable Character
https://collider.com/wish-movie-jennifer-lee-interview/

thanks for the link! The article was really interesting! Wow just to think that Disney Animation Studios could consider doing their version of Star Wars or Tron, really interesting (but pls dont do Star Wars thanks)

I’d still love to see a fairy tale tale or story set in authentic Spain.

me too carolinakid!

[Farerb]

[Farerb]

I saw people mentioning that the women in the movie wear skirts or dresses, but Hal wears pants, which might be an evidence of the character being non binary:

[Sotiris]

Didn't Jennifer Lee say Asha was an activist? Or am I confusing her with Snow White? Seems like these two movies have a lot in common.

I don't believe she was explicitly referred to as an "activist", but essentially that's what she is. Asha would have been much more relatable if she had a dream of her own. She could have been longing for love or human connection. She could have been a misfit or an outcast who wanted to fit in and be accepted by her peers. She could have wanted to prove her worth or escape her lowly station in life. She could have pursued a talent or a skill she had. Something, anything, that is deeply personal and leads to self-actualization.

The aspect of dreams and goals are what makes the characters so remarkable and you could argue that Disney heroines have done something like this before, like Esmeralda for example (where she was fighting for everyones Justice and equality) but what distinguishes her from Asha is that she wasnt only doing it for others, but also for herself, as her community and herself were treated unfairly. Or Kida, where she fought for Atlantis and her community, but also because she could have lost her family and her home, her world and existence were threatened too, so her actions were also reasonable and relatable, again, unlike Asha. To make sure that everyones wish gets granted doesnt seem reasonable enough to start a riot in my opinion. Unlike any other Disney character, Asha has nothing to loose or to risk.

That's exactly right. Characters like Kida, Esmeralda or Mulan had personal stakes and goals in addition to caring about their family and community. Asha doesn't seem to have that.

I saw people mentioning that the women in the movie wear skirts or dresses, but Hal wears pants, which might be an evidence of the character being non binary.

You can tell which character will be LBGT based on who is voicing them, something that wasn't true in the past. That's why we already know Gabo is gay and Hal non-binary. Nowadays a character needs to reflect every marginalized community an actor belongs to and vice versa.

[Tacs]

Didn't Jennifer Lee say Asha was an activist? Or am I confusing her with Snow White? Seems like these two movies have a lot in common.

I don't believe she was explicitly referred to as an "activist", but essentially that's what she is. Asha would have been much more relatable if she had a dream of her own. She could have been longing for love or human connection. She could have been a misfit or an outcast who wanted to fit in and be accepted by her peers. She could have wanted to prove her worth or escape her lowly station in life. She could have pursued a talent or a skill she had. Something, anything, that is deeply personal and leads to self-actualization.

The aspect of dreams and goals are what makes the characters so remarkable and you could argue that Disney heroines have done something like this before, like Esmeralda for example (where she was fighting for everyones Justice and equality) but what distinguishes her from Asha is that she wasnt only doing it for others, but also for herself, as her community and herself were treated unfairly. Or Kida, where she fought for Atlantis and her community, but also because she could have lost her family and her home, her world and existence were threatened too, so her actions were also reasonable and relatable, again, unlike Asha. To make sure that everyones wish gets granted doesnt seem reasonable enough to start a riot in my opinion. Unlike any other Disney character, Asha has nothing to loose or to risk.

That's exactly right. Characters like Kida, Esmeralda or Mulan had personal stakes and goals in addition to caring about their family and community. Asha doesn't seem to have that.

I saw people mentioning that the women in the movie wear skirts or dresses, but Hal wears pants, which might be an evidence of the character being non binary.

You can tell which character will be LBGT based on who is voicing them, something that wasn't true in the past. That's why we already know Gabo is gay and Hal non-binary. Nowadays a character needs to reflect every marginalized community an actor belongs to and vice versa.

If everything you learned is that big of a problem, then I guess you can always, oh I dunno. Not watch it, in fact, i think you should find some other company that will do everything you want. There's literally nothing left for you to like clearly. all of you can piss off, because it's clear there's nothing you like about it. Go ahead, everyone else wants Disney to die out, cut the bullshit and admit it. You guys can go and make your own fucking 2d animated movies if you think it's truly dead.

[Thumper_93]

I watched the trailer again and the plot reminds me of Wicked. The heroine is going to become King's apprentice but then she realizes that the king is not what she tought and defys him. Then she's accussed of beeing a traitor and he tries to manipulate the people from the kingdom against her.

[Tacs]

From tomorrow, my favorite time period of a new Disney animated musical release is about to begin. We're gonna get the full trailer, and then clips and featurettes, spoilers from books...
And then the fake critics will post their reactions on social media, the soundtrack will be released, we'll post our thoughts on the songs, and the embargo will be lifted and the real critics will publish their reviews.
Culminating in us, in theaters, watching the film and then post our thoughts here.
Fun times ahead.

You sure about that? Cause I see the exact opposite "fun times ahead" My ASS! At this point are any of you actually seeing it? just admit at this point, it'd save you the embarrassment of being a fickle little idiot.