Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Day of the Dead inspired animation has grief, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Big Wish
What's the Story?
In THE BIG WISH, 16-year-old orphan girl Salma (voiced by Cristina Milizia) is forbidden from learning the secret of her parents. During one Day of the Dead holiday, she decides to find out, leading to magical consequences.
Is It Any Good?
A grief-stricken man is determined to kill the Grim Reaper, while an orphan searches for the secrets of her family. Some of The Big Wish's themes are heavy going, and younger viewers will either be left behind or hung up on some of the more worrying or scarier parts. Framed within the Day of the Dead festival, the movie's key concepts are familiar to those with an awareness of this Mexican holiday. But for those that aren't, the film's literal depiction of people merrily meeting up with their dead relatives each year, could be confusing to younger kids. The overall message is about the importance of memories and how death is a sad but necessary part of life. But this is muddled by the film's magic-heavy third act.
Still, there's lots to enjoy. It's bright and colourful and there are a number of fun action scenes, while the creepier aspects will appeal to kids with an interest in scary stories. Around the midway point, the film does begin to feel like a cheap animated TV cartoon rather than a movie. But the dip in quality thankfully doesn't last long. Yes there are better offerings that deal with similar themes. But you can also do worse than The Big Wish.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether any parts of The Big Wish are too scary or violent? Who do you think is the ideal audience for this movie and why? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
What did Salma learn during the movie? How did her experiences in the Land of the Dead help her grow?
Do your family celebrate Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead? If so, how realistic was the portrayal in this movie? If not, how does your family pay tribute to relatives and loved ones after they've passed away?
Did this movie remind you of any others you might have seen? If so, which ones?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 10, 2020
- Cast : Cristina Milizia , Luis Dubuc , Memo Aponte
- Director : Carlos Gutiérrez Medrano
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Signature Entertainment
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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