Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Wish Dragon (2021)


What is it about? 

Din, a determined Teen who lost his best friend, runs into a wish-granting dragon who unveils the power of possibilities, but also of life's greatest values. 

Who is in it? 

Jimmy Wong - Din

Natasha Liu Bordozzo - Li Na

John Cho - Long 
Favorite Scene: 

After a series of pretending to be someone else ("David"), Din reveals his true identity to Li Na, and returns back to the old neighborhood with her. 

Favorite Quote: 

Mom: “I’m sorry I can’t give you a better life.” 
Din: “You’ve given me a lot, everything that matters.”

Review:

My son has recently taken to animated movies a big way, and I thought after a Vivo viewing that was highly successful, I would give Wish Dragon a run as well. I'm both glad I did and didn't. While carrying a little more animated violence than anticipated (should've expected that from a Jackie Chan-produced venture - but my son still ate up the bad guys getting their butts kicked), Wish Dragon was actually surprisingly really, really good. 

Wish Dragon focuses on life's meaning and carries the film with depth, thought, and meaning. I know, very deep for an animated kid's film. The plot at first feels like it's headed into cliche territory but eventually evolves in a way that really helps you see that the true antagonist of the plot is in fact losing yourself. I loved the way film didn't demonize success, or wanting to be rich and famous, but rather, the effects of losing yourself to the excess pursuit of it. There were also the basic (yes, cliche) lessons from the dragon, who moves from a dopey character into a rather serious one as we learn his backstory. 

I also simply loved the diversity of the film. It was nice to have a film based on Chinese culture.

And for parents watching with their kids, Wish Dragon has plenty of humor throughout it for all ages, especially subtle moments for the adults. My favorite was the Dragon learning about all of the new technology. 

Wish Dragon is definitely worth the push of the button on Netflix. 

Grade: 4/5

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Parental Reverance

Are these the moments of hard work and sacrifice, in front of my kids, that I hold my parents in reverence for? 

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 1/12/25

3 Up 1. California Fire Fighters - From nearby and even across international borders (some even imprisoned), a lot has to be offered to the firefighters who made their way to Southern California this week to help control this massive natural disaster.  2. Human Spirit - People who opened their homes to others. Businesses that provided free services and assistance. The outpouring of donations and so much more. People can be awesome at times.  3. Medical Debt - This seems like a pretty big deal, no?! Why should your health and the needs for your care affect your credit score?  3 Down 1. California Wildfires - Awful. There's not much you can place into words here that would capture so many people losing their homes, their lives, and everything. 2. Politicized Wildfires - As much as the human spirit took center stage, of course, we gotta make things political in this nation. Because, you know, there's an opportunity to do so.  3. Extreme Weather - There's just a whole l...

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Rio (2011)

What is it about?  Blu, a domesticated macaw bird from Minnesota is off to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in order to save his species by meeting, an independent macaw, Jewel. After meeting, the two embark on an adventure to reconnect with Blu's owner, but end up having an adventure that will change their lives.  Who is in it?  Jesse Eisenberg - Blu Anne Hathaway - Jewel George Lopez - Rafael