At All Cost

The New Disney Movies That Make Us Question Trauma, Love, and Life While Humming Catchy Tunes.

Running on six hours of sleep and sheer determination, I'm set on knocking out this post before taking my kids to the beach. Because nothing says "responsible parenting," like squeezing in a deep dive into Disney movies before a day of sunburn and sandcastles, right?

I'm jumping on the bandwagon here, inspired by

Robert the contemplative

deep dive into "Encanto" (who was, in turn, inspired by

Bethany Nicole

musings). Side note: I love how we can track ideas back to their source on this platform. It's like academic footnotes for people who spend too much time thinking about cartoon movies.

Let's discuss what I'm dubbing: "The New Disney Movies That Make Us Question Trauma, Love, and Life While Humming Catchy Tunes." Today's feature is "Wish," and the tearjerker of a song called "At All Costs."

You might be thinking, "Hold up, wasn't 'Wish' about a plucky young woman, a magical star, and a power-hungry ruler with fabulous hair?" Well, yes, but also no. Let me explain why this is secretly a father/daughter movie that had me ugly crying into my overpriced popcorn.

The Day at the Movies

Picture the scene: There I am, wedged into a theater seat, balancing a bucket of popcorn the size of a small child on my lap. My kids are next to me, munching on contraband candy (sorry, movie theater owners, but your prices for high fructose corn syrup are ridiculous). The movie starts by introducing us to Asha and the suspiciously charming King Magnifico.

Then we meet "The Wishes of Rosas," and suddenly, this Disney movie turns into a feelings assassin aiming right for my heart.

Just moments before, we learned about Asha's lost father:

Magnifico: "Do we call that a talent?"
Asha: "Oh, well, it's just something my father taught me."
Magnifico: "I think I remember your father?"
Asha: "Really?"
Magnifico: "He was a philosopher, wasn't he? Always talking about the stars."

We see Asha's sketch—that dreamlike tree and the stars. The same imagery later guides her wish in her darkest moment. She can't ask her dad for help, but his teachings and love are still there. And what shows up? A star. I like to think her father sent the next best thing—a piece of what he loved most. Because if you can't be there for your kid, why not send a giant ball of cosmic gas, right?

The Song That Broke Me

Then, there's the song "At All Costs." This isn't just a song; it's a gut punch wrapped in melody. It perfectly captures the overwhelming mix of love, fear, and protectiveness that defines parenthood.

As a dad, I'm all too aware of my mortality. The moment I held this beautifully brown-eyed baby girl, the moment I was given the blessing of being that beautiful baby girl's father. The moment I saw my very own "The Wishes of Rosas." I didn't know this song then, but my heart knew these lines:

"If happiness was a tangible thing, it would be you.  

If you'd told me the feeling you'd bring, I'd think it untrue."

These lines could've been ripped straight from my heart. The love I feel for my children is indescribable, a happiness I never knew was possible.

"I wanna promise, as one does, I will protect you at all costs.  

Keep you safe here in my arms."

This is the vow I made purely to protect her, and I made a vow for each of her siblings following.

"What's pain when I look at you? No way I could explain you, even if I tried to.  

I'll never dream like I used to do."

Before kids, I didn't dream of a life filled with this much love and joy. I couldn't have encapsulated these moments in something as simple as a dream.

"If someone tried to hurt you, I don't see how that could happen,  

I'd fight for you in ways you can't imagine."

This is that primal, almost terrifying part of parental love—the fierce protectiveness that says, "I am a reasonable, law-abiding citizen... but if anyone messes with my kid, I will turn into a mama bear/papa wolf hybrid creature."

"I hope it would be alright to stay right here beside you.  

If you're ever feeling like you're lost, I'll come find you!"

At the heart of it, this is what parenting is all about—being there, always. Guiding, supporting, loving, and sometimes embarrassing them in the process. Giving them a place to always return if they ever find themselves lost.

Why Wish Is a Father/Daughter Movie

So yes, "Wish" is a father-daughter movie hiding in plain sight. It's about Asha, a daughter who lost her father but carries his lessons, words, love—his wish. She uses all of this to save the day, stay true to herself, and do what's right. All while I sit there, trying not to sniffle too loudly.

As a father, I can only hope that when I'm no longer here to protect them, my love, my words, and the lessons I've taught will help my children find their star. Just like Asha's father, even in his absence, guided her to hers.

Until Tomorrow

John D