Product Details

• Actors: Martin Short, Mara Wilson, Robert Pastorelli, Ruby Dee, Francis Capra
• Directors: Michael Ritchie
• Writers: Jeff Rothberg
• Producers: Bill Sheinberg, Jeff Rothberg, Jonathan Sheinberg, Michael S. Glick, Sid Sheinberg
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Universal Studios
• VHS Release Date: June 9, 1998
• Run Time: 89 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0783224060
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,841 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Martin Short plays a bumbling fairy godmother to little Mara Wilson, who makes a wish that her actor-father (Robert Pastorelli) finds success. Instead of getting her wish fulfilled right away, however, she and Short end up diverted by an evil witch (Kathleen Turner). Special effects take over once Turner's character starts casting spells. But director Michael Ritchie--a long, long way from his prime (Downhill Racer, The Candidate) as an interesting filmmaker--keeps things moving quickly and gets some good work (albeit slanted toward kids) from his very talented cast. Some of the "magic" in the film--such as the sight of Short flattened and pouring down a set of stairs like liquid--is truly eye-popping. The DVD release has a widescreen presentation, Spanish subtitles, English captions, production notes, and theatrical trailer. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 2 thumbs up!!!!!, August 9, 2002

By 

Katrinia Monroe (Arkansas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Simple Wish [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a really great family movie. I recommend it for anyone to watch. It is really cute and the music is really great throughout the film. I just wish that they would make a soundtrack of the whole songs. I would certainly buy that. It is a must see.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A little of everything, March 11, 2005

By 

B. Slagle "Skwhirl" (Knoxville, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Simple Wish (DVD)

The plot and cinematography of this film were above average, while other aspects were a little lackluster. The storyline was well written, and the casting was on target, however the mixture of computer graphics took plenty away from the film and cheapened it quite a bit. Quite dissapointing.

You do get to see Martin Short in a most unusual role, and I'd consider this a must-see for any admirer of his antics. Robert Pastorelli (the crazed painter from Murphy Brown) plays a rather lackluster role. Kathleen Turner pulled off the typical "Evil Witch" role a little too well. Mara Wilson seemed to do a better job in "Matilda," but she was good in this film nontheless.

I happened to get the Italian version of this film (alternately titled "Un Semplice Desiderio") and I will add that watching this movie with Italian audio on adds a little to it. Granted I may have never even seen this film if it werent in a lot of videos I bought from ebay.it :)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fractured Fairy Tale, November 10, 2004

By 

Sheila R. Schultz (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Simple Wish (DVD)

What a clever fractured fairy tale. This movie has one of the best opening scenes - The Fairy Godmother Final Exams, where Martin Short, a mediocre student, is attempting to cheat,copying from the little old blue-haired ladies in his class.

Very funny & sophisticated, appeals to children and adults.