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 Posts

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Incredibles 2 (2018)

What is it about? The Parr family returns to take on a new mission which involves a change in family roles as well as a new villain. Who is in it? Craig T. Nelson - Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible Holly Hunter - Helen Parr/Elastagirl Sarah Powell - Violet Parr Favorite Scene: After trying to contain Jack-Jack, his constant battle with a backyard rodent opens up the family to the multitude of powers that he possesses, or even, can develop. Favorite Quote: "If you wanna get out of the hole, first you gotta put down the shovel." Review: Like many, I LOVED the original Incredibles film. And yes, I too was annoyed whenever a sequel wasn't announced. After all, there were many franchises that debuted, got a sequel, and even moved straight to release on their third installment before our lovable heroic family got their turn! But I digress... Nonetheless, it finally arrived. And if I'm being honest, The Incredibles 2 was good. It just wasn't what I wa

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/21/23

3 Up 1. Jim Brown's Legacy - It almost felt like it went without notice (maybe, just for me?), but the great Jim Brown left us this week. A fantastic athlete, with a more prominent voice and presence, Brown reshaped and redefined the standard for using your platform, and of course, expanding your influence.  2. Indoor Farms - As our natural resources became scarce, in some ways, alarmingly damaged (that's another discussion for another day), we've seen some amazing alternatives come about. The presence of indoor farms has been such, especially this precise farm in Compton that has produced 4.5 million pounds of leaves. Most importantly, is a resource within the community that was not available before.  3. $11B Rural Clean Energy Project - I'm sure they'll be some political retort to this, because well, there always is. But bringing clean energy to many rural areas of the United States is very much part of the issue in advancing our clean energy. On the surface, it

Dome Pondering Movie Review: We're the Millers (2013)

What is it about?  A veteran neighborhood drug dealer creates a fake family of interesting people in his neighborhood to transport a huge shipment of drugs from Mexico into the U.S. Who is in it?   Jason Sudeikis - David Clark Jennifer Aniston - Rose O'Reilly Will Poulter - Kenny Rosmore Emma Roberts - Casey Mathis

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/28/23

3 Up 1. Memorial Day Weekend - There are a lot of people who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. It's more than a three-day weekend, or the unofficial start to summer - take some time and appreciate the many lives given to be where we are.  2. Tina Turner - An absolute favorite of mine, Turner leaves us with nothing but awesome songs, memories, and a vibe and energy that was unmatched.  3. Debt Limit Deal - Well, one week later and I think I understand the entire debt limit stuff. Nonetheless, we're giving it an "Up" as it's settled. Crisis averted? Go America.  3 Down 1. Target Rescinds Pride - Our society has become ridiculous. After conservatives railed liberals for "cancel culture", the right has doubled down with threats at Target regarding their Pride Month displays. All of this follows a Bud Light ban. We've officially become a country where we all cancel what we don't like. So much for discourse.  2. Catholic Church in Illinois -