Today’s quick review: Wish Dragon. Din (Jimmy Wong), a young man trying to work his way through college, has his luck turn around when he is given a magic teapot containing Long Zhu (John Cho), a dragon who can grant him three wishes. Din uses the opportunity to reconnect with Li Na (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), his estranged childhood friend, but runs into trouble when her father (Will Yun Lee) tries to steal the teapot for himself.
Wish Dragon is a family animated fantasy adventure about a Chinese teenager who finds an ancient, wish-granting dragon. Although his intentions start out pure, Din is tempted to wish for money and prestige so he can impress Li Na, who has grown up into a wealthy model and heiress. Wish Dragon is a generic but ultimately charming story about friendship, family, and what truly matters in life.
The driving force behind Wish Dragon is Din and his pure friendship with Li Na. No matter what else happens, their relationship keeps the tone of the movie light and optimistic. Din also makes for a wiser protagonist than most, keeping his head even when tempted with unthinkable riches. The movie also benefits from a cute art style, a basic but satisfying story arc, and a conclusion that ties everything together nicely.
Wish Dragon’s weakness is that it is walking well-trodden ground. The broad strokes of the story will be predictable for anyone who has seen other family films that introduce a young protagonist to a source of fantastical power. Wish Dragon makes some novel contributions with the details of its characters and setting, but it is missing the flashy ideas and innovation needed to leave its own mark on the genre.
In the end, Wish Dragon is a pleasant watch that is carried by strong fundamentals. It is missing the sharp comedy and original ideas that set apart other animated films, but likable characters, bright art, and a fun story make it worth a watch for anyone interested. Give it a shot when you are in the mood for something upbeat with a dash of heart. Look elsewhere if you dislike the genre or want something that will make a bigger impact.
For a more memorable film about a young man who gets three wishes, check out Aladdin. For an animated fantasy adventure that pairs a young protagonist with a goofy supernatural being, try Moana. For an animated superhero movie with a similar art style and related themes, try Big Hero Six.
[7.2 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5562070/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a basic but well-executed family adventure.