Wish Parents Guide

Set in the magical kingdom of Rosas, the movie centers around Asha's journey as she goes on a quest to turn back time after accidentally messing up her town's wishing star ritual. Asha teams up with a little star who has the power to grant wishes. Together they go on an epic musical adventure as Asha tries to return harmony to her kingdom.

With magical fantasy elements and catchy musical numbers, Wish is aimed primarily at children and families. Disney describes it as a story about the power of hope and following your dreams. The studio hopes Wish will continue its recent success with musical animations like Encanto and Frozen.

Why Wish is Rated PG

Wish is rated PG by the MPAA for "thematic elements and mild action." According to the MPAA ratings guidelines, PG means "Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children."

The thematic elements that led to this rating include some scary imagery like monsters and magical villains, as well as scenes of peril involving the main characters. There are a few intense chase sequences and battles using magic and supernatural powers that make this more than a purely lighthearted kids' movie.

Common Sense Media notes that "a villain's repeated attempts to steal the starstone may be disturbing or scary to sensitive kids" (source). There are some darker moments but not anything extremely frightening or inappropriate for most school-age kids.

The action that contributes to the PG rating consists of chase scenes, characters in jeopardy, magical fights using glowing rays of light, and some destruction of property. The main characters must fend off various supernatural villains trying to capture them. It's mild action by PG standards but still justifies parental guidance.

Overall, the thematic elements and fantasy action make Wish a PG movie that's probably best for kids 8 and up, but could be fine for mature 6-7 year olds with guidance from parents who know their sensitivities and thresholds for scarier imagery.

Potentially Concerning Content

According to Common Sense Media, there are some intense moments in Wish that may concern parents with young viewers. For example, there are scenes with magical peril where characters are briefly transformed against their will, like when Asha is temporarily turned into a fish. There is also mild fantasy action, such as when Asha battles a giant snake. 

The snake wraps its coils around her at one point, which could be scary for very young kids. Overall, Common Sense Media felt these moments of action and peril were fairly mild.

The Entertainment Weekly review also points out there are thematic elements surrounding self-doubt and loss that make this more appropriate for school-aged kids rather than very young viewers. For instance, Asha experiences moments of crisis in confidence and there are reflections on mistakes and regret. 

So while there is no graphic violence, the themes require a degree of maturity and parental guidance is recommended, especially for sensitive young children.

Positive Themes and Messages

Wish has many uplifting themes that promote positivity for young viewers. At its core, the movie is about empowerment, believing in yourself, and finding your inner voice and passion.

The main character, Asha, goes on a journey of self-discovery to figure out who she really is and what she wants to wish for. Throughout this journey, she learns to believe in herself and finds the power she already had within.

The theme of friendship is also strong in the movie. Asha makes two close friends, Valentino and Diggs, who support her along the way. Their friendship teaches kids about being loyal, working together, and bringing out the best in each other.

Wish promotes the idea that we all have special gifts and talents waiting to emerge. Asha just needed the right motivation and encouragement to unlock her abilities and find her voice.

The movie shows how perseverance and determination help us overcome obstacles. Despite challenges, Asha persists in order to make her wish come true.

Overall, the inspiring messages in Wish are about empowering kids, having confidence in yourself, pursuing your dreams, and relying on friendship. Parents will appreciate these positive themes.

LGBTQ Representation

There has been some debate about potential LGBTQ representation and themes in Wish. While there are no openly LGBTQ main characters, some viewers have speculated that the non-binary character Roshani may represent Disney's first non-binary character. 

According to Inside the Magic, Wish celebrates Disney's history of 2D animation and features the studio's first-ever non-binary character. However, Roshani's gender identity is not explicitly addressed in the film.

Others have pointed to the film's themes of self-acceptance as carrying LGBTQ meaning. For example, the lead character Asha struggles to find her place in the world and must learn to accept herself. Some have viewed this as an LGBTQ coming-of-age narrative, though there is debate around interpreting the film through this lens since there are no openly LGBTQ protagonists.

Overall, while Wish does not include overt LGBTQ representation, some viewers may interpret the film's themes of feeling different and finding acceptance as carrying LGBTQ meaning. However, there is debate around viewing Wish specifically as an LGBTQ allegory since the characters are not explicitly identified as such.

Comparison to Other Disney Films

In terms of themes, Wish is most similar to other recent Disney animated films that focus on self-discovery, finding your voice, and empowerment such as Encanto, Moana, and Frozen. Like those films, Wish has themes of a young protagonist trying to determine their special talent and place in the world.

The overall tone and intensity of Wish is mild compared to some other Disney PG-rated animated films. There are no particularly dark or sinister villains, and the peril faced by the characters is mild. According to reviews, Wish is "missing some of the sinister or emotional elements that gave movies like Frozen, Moana or Raya and the Last Dragon dramatic heft" (EW). 

So while it deals with some action and magic, Wish has less intensity than films like Brave or Raya that contain scary villains or moments of peril.

Overall, Wish ranks on the lighter end of the spectrum for a Disney PG-rated animated film. It's comparable to Encanto in having upbeat musical numbers and focusing on positive themes of family, friendship, and finding yourself. The tone is consistently hopeful and optimistic. So Wish should be an easier watch for young viewers compared to scarier Disney offerings.

Is Wish Appropriate for Kids?

Wish is rated PG by the MPAA for some mild thematic elements and action. Based on the rating and reviews, the movie appears to be appropriate for most children ages 7 and up. 

Some of the more intense moments, like the climactic confrontation at the end, may be frightening for younger viewers under 6 or 7 according to Common Sense Media. The themes of empowerment and believing in yourself are very positive for school-aged kids and tweens.

There is nothing overtly inappropriate for kids in Wish in terms of language, romance, or adult topics. It does not have the same level of adult appeal and layered humor of something like Zootopia or Moana, skewing younger in terms of target audience. 

Most reviewers say children as young as 5 would enjoy the music, adventure, and imagination on display in Wish. But the full nuances of the story and themes would likely appeal most to ages 7 and up.

Overall, Wish is an uplifting animated movie with positive messages that makes for an enjoyable watch for kids of all ages, especially those around 7 to 12 years old who will best appreciate the story. 

Parents can feel comfortable taking most school-aged children to see Wish and should use the PG rating to determine if their child is mature enough for a few intense moments.

Should Parents Watch Wish with Kids?

Many parents may be wondering if they should watch Wish alongside their children or let them view it independently. There are pros and cons to both approaches.

Watching together allows parents to experience Wish firsthand and discuss any questions or concerns that come up with their kids in real time. Having a parent present can also provide comfort and guidance around more intense scenes. 

Some of the action and peril may be frightening for sensitive young viewers, so having mom or dad there to reassure them could be beneficial.

However, some older children may prefer watching independently, especially if Wish seems "babyish" to them. Kids ages 8+ will likely be fine on their own. Parents can debrief afterwards and have an open discussion about their takeaways. This encourages independence and critical thinking.

According to Wish parent guide: Is the animated movie suitable for kids?, while the PG rating means Wish warrants parental guidance, the themes are easy enough for most school-age children to understand. 

The peril is fantasy based, not graphic realism. So whether watching together or solo, kids 10 and up should be able to comprehend and process the story.

Overall, the ideal choice depends on the child's maturity level and personality, as well as parent comfort. Either way, an open dialogue about Wish both before and after viewing can help kids process the story and themes. Parents can determine what's best for their family.

Talking to Kids About Wish

After watching Wish, parents may want to have a discussion with their children about the movie's key themes and messages. Here are some tips for parents on topics to address:

The main character Asha overcomes self-doubt to find her inner power and strength. Parents can talk to kids about how we all have special talents and gifts that make us unique. Discuss how important it is to believe in yourself.

Friendship

A central message is the power of friendship and being there for each other, even through tough times. Parents can discuss the value of strong friendships and looking out for one another.

Acceptance

Asha learns to embrace who she is instead of hiding her talents and blending in. Parents can talk about being proud of yourself and not letting insecurity hold you back.

Courage

It takes courage for Asha to find her voice and stand up to others. Parents can discuss having bravery in difficult situations and standing up for what's right.

Overall, Wish has many inspiring themes about being true to yourself that parents can discuss with kids. It provides opportunities for thoughtful conversations about confidence, relationships and finding your place in the world.

Final Verdict for Parents

Overall, Wish is an uplifting and entertaining animated musical that most kids ages 6 and up can enjoy. While there are a few intense moments involving peril and action, they are very mild compared to many other PG films. The main themes around empowerment, friendship, and finding your voice are incredibly positive for young viewers.

There is no overt LGBTQ representation, though some viewers have interpreted undertones in one relationship. This is left vague enough that parents can make their own judgement calls around their comfort level. For more religious or conservative families, it's worth being aware of this aspect going in.

Compared to classics like Aladdin and modern hits like Moana and Encanto, Wish ranks on the more family-friendly end of the spectrum both in terms of content intensity and positive messages. Most kids will find the musical numbers fun and inspiring. The magic and adventure are sure to delight Disney fans of all ages.

Overall, Wish is an uplifting new addition to the Disney canon that parents can feel good about showing kids ages 6 and up. Watching together provides opportunities for meaningful discussions around themes of empowerment, friendship, and being true to yourself.