A Simple Wish (1997)
Synopsis:
A Simple Wish is a whimsical adventure about a young girl named Anabel who dreams of helping her father win a role in a Broadway musical. Her wish takes a magical turn when she encounters Murray, a bumbling fairy godfather who is still learning the ropes of his magical duties. When Murray's wand is stolen by a wicked witch named Claudia, Anabel and Murray must team up to retrieve it. Their journey is filled with unexpected challenges and quirky encounters as they navigate the magical world. With time running out, Anabel and Murray must work together to outsmart Claudia and restore order, all while trying to make Anabel's wish come true.
Where To Watch: A Simple Wish
Parental Feedback
A Simple Wish, released in 1997, is a family-friendly fantasy comedy aimed at kids. The movie combines elements of magic and humor, creating a whimsical atmosphere that appeals to younger audiences. While some parents appreciate its lighthearted and imaginative storyline, others feel it lacks depth, resulting in mixed reviews.
Why Kids Should Watch A Simple Wish
The movie offers a delightful blend of magic and humor that captivates young viewers.
- Promotes the theme of believing in oneself and the power of wishes.
- Features a charming and bumbling fairy godfather character that adds comedic relief.
- Visually engaging with colorful and magical scenes that spark imagination.
- Encourages creativity and the idea that anything is possible with a little magic.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch A Simple Wish
Some parents express concerns about the movie's lack of depth and character development.
- May present a simplistic view of problem-solving through magic rather than effort.
- Contains scenes where magic is used irresponsibly, which might confuse young viewers.
- The plot can be somewhat predictable and lacks complexity.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its lack of depth and character development.
What Parents Should Know About A Simple Wish
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The movie encourages believing in oneself and the power of wishes, as seen through the protagonist's journey. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Some scenes where magic goes awry might require parental guidance to explain the consequences. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the misuse of magic often leads to humorous but clear consequences, teaching accountability. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The characters often work together to solve problems, highlighting the importance of teamwork. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of believing in oneself and the magic of possibilities. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
A Simple Wish is praised for its magical and comedic elements that entertain children, though some parents wish for more depth in its storytelling. The movie's strengths lie in its imaginative visuals and positive messages about self-belief. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the consequences of actions and the importance of effort alongside magic. For those seeking more depth, alternatives like "Matilda" or "The Princess Bride" might be considered.
Official A Simple Wish Trailer
The Core Values Learned From A Simple Wish
A Simple Wish's most common core values include Family love, Determination, and Problem-solving. Throughout the movie, the bond between Anabel and her father is a testament to the power of family Love, as they support each other through thick and thin. Anabel's determination shines as she embarks on a Magical journey to help her father achieve his dreams, showing kids the importance of Perseverance in the face of challenges.
The movie also emphasizes problem-solving, as Anabel and her fairy godfather, Murray, creatively tackle obstacles and outsmart the wicked witch, Claudia. These examples highlight how children can learn to value their family, stay determined, and think on their feet when faced with difficulties.
Other Core Values Explored: Friendship | Courage | Imagination | Kindness | Perseverance | Self-confidence | Helping others | Bravery | Creativity | Being hopeful | Resilience
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From A Simple Wish
Believing in Yourself: In A Simple Wish, Anabel's journey teaches kids the importance of self-confidence. Despite the challenges she faces, Anabel believes in her ability to help her father and make her wish come true. Her determination shows children that believing in oneself can lead to achieving goals, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
Embracing Differences: The movie highlights the value of accepting and appreciating differences through the character of Murray, the fairy godfather. His unconventional approach to magic and his unique personality demonstrate to kids that being different can be a strength, encouraging them to embrace their own individuality and that of others.
Finding Courage: Anabel's adventure is filled with moments that require bravery, especially when confronting the wicked witch, Claudia. Her courage in the face of danger teaches children that being brave is not about the absence of fear, but about facing challenges head-on despite being afraid.
Supporting Your Friends: The bond between Anabel and Murray underscores the importance of friendship and teamwork. As they work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, kids learn the value of supporting their friends and the strength that comes from working as a team.
Solving Problems Creatively: Anabel's imaginative solutions to the magical challenges she encounters highlight the importance of thinking outside the box. Her creativity in navigating the magical world teaches children that there are often multiple ways to solve a problem, encouraging them to use their imagination in difficult situations.
Other Lessons Learned: Never Giving Up | Practicing Empathy | Valuing Imagination
Why Kids Love A Simple Wish
A Simple Wish is a magical romp that sweeps kids into a world where fairy godfathers are hilariously clumsy and anything can happen. The enchanting journey with Anabel and her bumbling fairy godfather, Murray, is filled with whimsical magic and laugh-out-loud moments. Kids will be thrilled by the silly sidekicks and mischievous antics that keep the adventure lively and unpredictable. The movie is a treasure trove of funny disguises and awkward situations that spark giggles and excitement.
As Anabel and Murray navigate their topsy-turvy quest, they encounter magical mentors and quirky characters that add to the fun. The slapstick comedy and unexpected twists make every moment a delightful surprise. With its blend of humor, magic, and heartwarming friendships, A Simple Wish captivates young audiences, inviting them to dream big and embrace the unexpected.