Wish Upon: Movie Review

I didn’t have high expectations going into the new horror film “Wish Upon”.  The trailers were ok, but knowing it was helmed by the director of “Annabelle”, “The Butterfly Effect 2”, and “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation” didn’t make things seem hopeful.  Last year John R. Leonetti did deliver a solid little film that was dumped onto VOD called “Wolves at the Door”. I wish that was given a theatrical release over “Wish Upon” which is only slightly better than his previous films.

Let me first say that one thing I liked about “Wish Upon” was the characters. They weren’t as two-dimensional as most films of this ilk. That is really the only positive thing I can say about the film.  I had two major issues with “Wish Upon”.  First is that is that it’s not only unoriginal but it basically steals from much better films.  In one sequence the film’s main character, Clare (Joey King) wishes that the popular blonde girl that teases her would just rot away.  Of course, the popular girl begins to rot.  That is very close to what happened in 1996’s “The Craft”.

“Wish Upon” plays out like a reboot of “Final Destination” where it borrows from that franchise too.  There is a garbage disposal sequence, and elevator sequence, and more.  They felt like they were all taken from different “Final Destination” sequels.  This wouldn’t have bothered me as much if “Wish Upon” delivered on some spectacular kills, but instead they went the PG-13 route.

“Wish Upon” is mediocre at best, but it’s not the worst horror film to get a wide-release this year. So far, that honor goes to “The Bye Bye Man”. If you do happen to find yourself checking out “Wish Upon”, make sure to stay for the end credits for an extra scene.

By: Marc Ferman