Wish Dragon is Aladdin with a twist. That’s not an exaggeration as the latest from Sony Pictures Animation, Beijing Sparkle Roll Media Corporation, and a host of other production companies, recalls the rags-to-riches tale, all with a magical, wish-granting being in tow. Only this time the story is set in 21st century Shanghai and Din (Jimmy Wong) is the endearingly wholesome protagonist. The first half of the film will have many wondering if they aren’t just watching Aladdin, so similar are the animated film’s story beats. But while Wish Dragon rehashes quite a few familiar storylines from the Disney classic, it offers enough new elements to be entertaining and sweet.

Written and directed by Chris Applehans, Wish Dragon opens with a montage of friendship. Din Song (Wong), who is somewhat of an outcast at school, meets Li Na Wang (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) and the two become fast friends. They do everything together and it seems like Din finally has someone he can rely on and spend time with. But his and Li Na’s friendship is sadly cut short when she and her father (Will Yun Lee) move away. Years later, Din is determined to surprise Lina, who has become the promotional face of her father’s corporate initiatives, for her birthday and to reconnect. When he happens upon a random man with a teapot, Din’s world is forever changed after discovering it holds Long (John Cho), an ancient dragon who grants three wishes to whomever possesses the artifact. 

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Wish Dragon retreads a lot of territory from its Disney counterpart, yes, but it’s also self-aware enough to understand what it’s doing and then changes things up, touching upon relevant themes of capitalistic excess and how it often replaces what people actually need, like love and attention. The animation quietly showcases how Shanghai has changed, growing from its humble origins to a bustling city with skyscrapers and billboards lighting up the night sky. The city's changes also work as a parallel to Din and Li Na’s relationship, with the former coming from a working class family and who hustles to make ends meet, with Li Na a rich heiress whose face graces the very billboards that illuminate the city. 

Din's belief that an expensive suit, car, and gadgets is the only way Li Na will see him is also crucial to his realizations that it’s his humanity, earnestness, and personal connection to her past that make him stand out in her eyes. What ultimately shapes this heartfelt story is Long, whose backstory isn't as simple as being a wish-granting dragon. He is cynical and believes the worst of humanity because he's been around for a long time; he sees exactly what people desire (lots of money), the ways in which it changes them, and, most importantly, how alone their greed for riches leaves them in the end. The twist of Long's history with humanity is one that centers Wish Dragon, elevating it beyond its initial comparisons. 

Long — who is grounded by John Cho's portrayal of him as a sarcastic and world-weary entity — flips the script, making it so he is not only the wish grantor, but a thoughtful giver of life lessons. For the first time, he feels needed outside the parameters of his teapot and this revelation, paired with Long and Din's friendship, uplifts the animation and gives it heartfelt, emotionally resonant meaning. By setting the film in the modern day, the story tackles relatable issues, including the wealth divide, with the characters attempting to break out of the capitalistic rules of society that claim their spirits instead of working to uphold them. There is also a parental perspective, wherein the disappointment and frustration of Li Na's father stems from the pressure he feels to make her life better. It consumes him and the narrative offers him some sympathy because he is also trying to be what he thinks his daughter and society need him to be as the provider. 

The animation style of Wish Dragon is exciting as well, sharp, distinct, and colorful. The film doesn’t venture too far outside the box, but it does enough within its story to establish itself on its own merits. Applehans infuses the film with a lot of heart, humor, and adventurous fun without foregoing on its serious themes. While the film does take its time stepping out on its own and out of the shadows of Aladdin and its "tale as old as time" story (Long's own words), Wish Dragon is a heartwarming, charming film with a great message and lovely characters.

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Wish Dragon is currently streaming on Netflix. The film is 98 minutes long and is rated PG for mild action and rude humor. 

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