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What's After the Movie?
Biographical film

Wish Man (2019): Cast & Ratings

Wish Man (2019) movie poster

Wish Man is a 2019 biographical film directed by Theo Davies, starring Danny Trejo as Jose, Bruce Davison and Tom Sizemore. It runs 1 hour 47 minutes. IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.

IMDb rating
7.0/10
Echo Score
66
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Wish Man (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 47m (107 min)
Director
Theo Davies
Genre
Biography
Original language
English
Studio
myCinema
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Wish Man About?

The premise of Wish Man without spoilers.

A motorcycle police officer struggling with personal trauma and a crisis of identity unexpectedly connects with a young boy facing a terminal illness. Their unlikely friendship offers him solace and a renewed sense of purpose. Inspired by their bond, he dedicates himself to helping other children with life-threatening conditions, ultimately leading to the founding of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Wish Man Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • make a wish
  • arizona desert
  • arizona
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Cast & crew

Wish Man Cast & Characters

Danny Trejo leads the cast as Jose, with Bruce Davison as Frank Shankwitz Sr. and Tom Sizemore as Sgt. Mason. Directed by Theo Davies; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Wish Man

· 6 more
From the director

More from Theo Davies

One more film directed by Theo Davies: Harry, Henry and the Prostitute.

Full filmography
Ratings

Wish Man Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate Wish Man 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 66/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

66 /100

Wish Man Echo Score Breakdown

Wish Man exhibits a heartfelt core amid uneven execution. Critics and viewers noted its sincere emotional payoff and genuine compassion, yet also found the storytelling occasionally mechanical and burdened by extraneous subplots. Performances by the lead and supporting cast were praised for authenticity even as some secondary characters lacked depth. Production aspects such as music and atmospheric photography elicited mixed reactions, reflecting a modest budget. Ultimately, the film leaves a positive impression for its earnest inspiration despite structural flaws.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates competent but modest visual design. Critics observed a largely straightforward directorial approach with functional editing that occasionally felt mechanical. Comments on cinematography and production design highlighted an adequate use of atmosphere in flashbacks but noted budgetary constraints limiting visual polish. Supporting effects and set work were serviceable without drawing attention. Overall, the film’s craftsmanship is solid yet unremarkable.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character and emotion, the central performances deliver genuine warmth and relatability. Viewers and critics praised the lead’s nuanced portrayal for conveying heartfelt transformation, while supporting roles provided believable dynamics. A few noted some secondary characters lacked depth or felt underdeveloped. Emotional resonance was achieved in key moments, with several scenes eliciting tears. In sum, the film’s casting and performances produce a mostly engaging emotional experience.

  • Story & Flow 70

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative anchors on an inspirational true-life arc that resonates with many viewers. Critics and audiences commended the core storyline’s hopeful message, but some described pacing issues and superfluous subplots that detracted from coherence. The biographical structure was considered on-the-nose at times, yet the film maintains engagement through its dramatic peaks. Overall, the plot offers a heartfelt but unevenly paced journey.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    When considering the sensory experience, the soundtrack and ambient sound design contribute to a modest but effective atmosphere. One user highlighted stirring musical passages that amplified emotional scenes, and the use of flashback sequences created visual cohesion despite budgetary limits. Other users found the overall audio–visual impact serviceable yet lacking standout moments. In sum, the film delivers a pleasant sensory backdrop that supports rather than defines the narrative.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    In terms of rewatch value, the film’s emotional core and inspirational theme encourage return viewings despite some narrative flaws. Several viewers noted strong replay appeal in key dramatic and tear-inducing sequences, while others felt the uneven pacing and extra subplots limited lasting interest. The sincerity of the protagonist’s journey grants the film modest staying power. Overall, the project offers a rewatchable experience for audiences drawn to heartfelt biographical stories.

Videos

Wish Man Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Wish Man.

Wise Man's Grandchild | OFFICIAL PREVIEW
Cars

Cars in Wish Man

11 cars on screen, including the 2014 Chevrolet Impala and the 1960 Dodge D-100.

All 11 cars
  • 2014 Chevrolet Impala in Wish Man 2014 Chevrolet Impala Important role
  • 1960 Dodge D-100 in Wish Man 1960 Dodge D-100 Important role
  • 2005 Honda Odyssey in Wish Man 2005 Honda Odyssey Important role
  • 1996 International 3800 in Wish Man 1996 International 3800 Minor role
Details

Wish Man Also Known As

4 alternative titles, including “Исполняющий желания” and “איש המשאלות”.

Also known as
  • Исполняющий желания
  • איש המשאלות
  • Wish Man - Jeder kann ein Held sein
  • 许愿人

Seen Wish Man?

FAQ

Wish Man FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Wish Man, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Wish Man?

Wish Man runs 1 hour 47 minutes (107 minutes).

When was Wish Man released?

Wish Man was released on June 7, 2019.

Who directed Wish Man?

Wish Man was directed by Theo Davies.

More films by Theo Davies

Who is in the cast of Wish Man?

Wish Man stars Danny Trejo as Jose, Bruce Davison as Frank Shankwitz Sr. and Tom Sizemore as Sgt. Mason, among 10 credited actors.

How is Wish Man rated?

Wish Man has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 81% on TMDB, 3.2/5 on Letterboxd and 3.0/5 on Movie Insider.

Does Wish Man have a post-credit scene?

No. Wish Man has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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