A Simple Wish
Performance & Direction: A Simple Wish Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is A Simple Wish (1997) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Adventure.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Simple Wish features a noteworthy lineup led by Martin Short . Supported by the likes of Kathleen Turner and Mara Wilson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: A Simple Wish
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1997, A Simple Wish is a Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy film directed by Michael Ritchie. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Martin Short.
Ending Explained: A Simple Wish
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Michael Ritchie, A Simple Wish attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to adventure resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Martin Short, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of A Simple Wish reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch A Simple Wish?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Adventure films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: A Simple Wish
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $28.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $8.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
A Simple Wish Budget
The estimated production budget for A Simple Wish is $28.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: A Simple Wish
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Where to Watch A Simple Wish Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoA Simple Wish Parents Guide & Age Rating
1997 AdvisoryWondering about A Simple Wish age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of A Simple Wish is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, A Simple Wish is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1997 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Simple Wish worth watching?
A Simple Wish is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find A Simple Wish parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for A Simple Wish identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of A Simple Wish?
The total duration of A Simple Wish is 89 minutes, which is approximately 1h 29m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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