You Wish!
By Tom Cassidy,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Familiar but well-told fantasy tale has positive messages.
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What's the Story?
In YOU WISH!, 16-year-old Alex (A.J. Trauth) is fed up with his little brother, Stevie (Spencer Breslin). So much so that when he receives a magic coin, Alex wishes Stevie would disappear. However, when Stevie does indeed magically disappear, Alex realizes the life he had is the one he actually wants.
Is It Any Good?
The well-trodden "one wish" cautionary tale about how life could be, is dependable, compelling, and -- when it works -- highly satisfying. 2003'sYou Wish! nails it, thanks to some genuinely funny moments and believable teen characters that round out the movie's rich world. When Alex erases his brother Stevie from existence -- thanks to a magic coin -- Alex finds himself as a TV star of a show called Where's Stevie? This sci-fi undercurrent injects an intelligent, sometimes mind-bending element that beefs up the story and avoids it from being a generic rehash of a familiar theme.
The movie's "grass is always greener" message is also surprisingly deep. In the new "no-Stevie" universe, it emerges that the extra money not spent on Stevie allowed Alex's parents to send him to football camp and become the star quarterback. It's just one example of the smart writing that, together with some charming performances and laugh-out-loud moments, elevates You Wish! to a fun TV movie of feature film quality.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what the overriding message is in You Wish! Why is the "be careful what you wish for" story told so often and why does it remain so compelling? What other examples of this story can you think of?
How does the movie explore the concept of gratitude? Why is this a good character strength to have? What are you grateful for?
Before Alex realizes he's not friends with Abby and James in his new life, he talks to them like he is. Do you change how you behave depending on who you are with? If so, why?
Why do you think Alex wished he didn't have a brother? Why do you think he comes to regret that wish? Talk about your own relationships with your brothers and sisters.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: January 10, 2003
- Cast: A.J. Trauth , Spencer Breslin , Lalaine
- Director: Paul Hoen
- Studio: Disney Channel Original Movies
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , High School
- Character Strengths: Gratitude
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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