A Simple Wish (1997)

What makes A Simple Wish special is its unabashed, storybook sincerity paired with the kind of full-bodied comic commitment that only a cast this game can deliver. Martin Short turns a beleaguered, male fairy godmother into a one-man whirlwind of physical comedy and sweet optimism, while Kathleen Turner clearly relishes being gloriously wicked, giving the film a playful edge without tipping into mean-spiritedness. The vibe is bright, theatrical, and gently chaotic—Broadway dreams, busted magic, and kid-sized determination all colliding in a family-friendly fantasy that keeps its heart in the right place. It’s not the sleekest or most modern fairy tale, but if you’re in the mood for a cozy ’90s romp powered by big performances and earnest charm, this one’s an easy wish to grant.

A Simple Wish is clearly trying to be a warm, kid-friendly fairy-tale comedy with a clever twist (a male fairy godmother) and big, broad performances from Martin Short and Kathleen Turner. The problem is that the story never really clicks into place: it’s more a string of noisy mishaps and gimmicky magic bits than a satisfying adventure, and the pacing can feel oddly sluggish for something this zany. If you’re hoping for the charm and tight storytelling of the best ’90s family fantasies, this may leave you restless, but if you’re in the mood for a harmless, mildly silly watch with a few memorable comedic moments, it can still work on that level. It’s PG and generally gentle, though a couple of witchy scenes and the occasional weird transformation might be more unsettling than funny for very young kids.