Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
Determined teen Din is longing to reconnect with his childhood best friend when he meets a wish-granting dragon who shows him the magic of possibilities.
Wish Dragon is a competent and charming animated family film, but it hews closely to the Aladdin template with a modern Shanghai setting. The plot is functional but formulaic — a poor-but-good-hearted protagonist, a wish-granting magical companion, a wealthy love interest, and a villain after the magic source. The voice acting is warm and energetic, particularly Jimmy Wong and John Cho, giving the film genuine heart. The animation is colorful and vibrant, capturing Shanghai's energy well, though it doesn't push technical boundaries. Novelty is limited by its derivative structure, despite the fresh cultural setting. The ending is satisfying and emotionally resonant within its familiar framework.