Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Wish review says that lovely visuals and an extraordinarily talented voice cast including Ariana DuBose and Chris Pine elevate the animated feature that is otherwise just meh.

In the beginning, I was happily enchanted by Disney’s latest animated feature, Wish, partially because I immediately adored the gorgeous setting with its intriguing Moorish embellishments. There are so many dazzling artistic opportunities available when basing a fantasy on a Mediterranean island, likely located between the coast of Andalusia and Morocco.

Okay, so I lived there for a few years, fell in love with the area, and think the whole world should revel in its aesthetics.

The gifted artists who worked on Wish did the setting full justice, with its colorful patterns, lights, architectural highlights and dimension. The movie is a sight to behold. Children may not be aware of the cultural treats, but subliminally they’ll be delighted.

So how about the rest of the film? Well…

Wish review — does it measure up?

Helming the animated film intended to celebrate the rich animated heritage of 100 years of Disney was an ambitious project for fresh directors Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn. Their debut is not bad, considering all they had to weave into the film, including on the nose references to the “When You Wish Upon a Star” theme. Disney enthusiasts will have a great time noting the nods to the classics.

Unfortunately Wish may not make the cut to join the pantheon of those Disney classics. It just doesn’t reach the same heights. While the plot is forgettable and the message almost imperceptible, the cast does their best to elevate the material, and by and large succeeds.

The radiant Ariana DeBose (who won an Oscar last year for her performance in Steven Spielberg’s Westside Story) reaches a voiceover high note in her portrayal of feisty heroine Asha. Chris Pine is at his best voicing the hero/villain King Magnifico.

They play against each other in a convoluted story about how the residents of the kingdom on the island of Rosas give their fondest wishes to king/sorcerer Magnifico for safekeeping while he decides which ones to grant. Asha uncovers the flaw in his motives and the system, and rallies the locals to take back their wishes.

I think I need a nine-year-old to explain it to me. But I did enjoy the music and the humor while trying to make sense of it all. Perhaps I shouldn’t overanalyze it, just lean back and enjoy?

Rated PG

1 Hour 32 Minutes

If Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Wish review encourages you to pack the kids in the car and head to the cineplex, find times and tickets at Fandango.com.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Wish review says that lovely visuals and an extraordinarily talented voice cast including Ariana DuBose and Chris Pine elevates the animated feature that is otherwise just meh.