Haskel, ever the thrifty (and slightly peculiar) collector, finds an ornate, somewhat dusty mechanical fortune teller box named ZOLTAR (as seen in the clip) at a liquidation sale. He hauls it back to the apartment, convinced it's a valuable antique. When he tries to plug it in, nothing happens. Frustrated, and standing in his signature silk robe, he jokingly leans in and half-sarcastically whispers a wish to the dummy figure inside:
"I wish... I could just see what it's like to be one of those ridiculous, handsome studs for a night. Just so I could finally get a reservation at that new bistro."
II. The Transformation
At precisely 6:00 PM, while arguing with Stuart about the dinner menu, Haskel suddenly feels an intense tingling sensation. His vision blurs. He sheds his robe and is instantly replaced by the towering, impossibly fit man (as shown in the video) wearing blue athletic shorts. He is a 'new' person: "Rex Handsome."
III. The Double Life
Haskel's Secret:
Only Phil, after a dramatic unveiling (similar to the clip), knows the truth. Phil is initially sworn to secrecy and becomes "Rex's" temporary wingman, helping him navigate the city, which is suddenly full of admiring strangers.
The New Identity:
"Rex" easily gets the bistro reservation, secures a fantastic job as a fitness model (temporarily), and is the center of attention wherever he goes. Haskel uses this new form to live out his fantasies: not just dating, but correcting bad architecture, tasting fancy cheeses he couldn't afford before, and giving dramatic, unsolicited life advice to strangers, which they actually listen to.
The Near Misses:
The 2:00 AM deadline causes constant, high-stakes panic.
The First Date:
Rex is on a perfect date with a sophisticated woman named Clara. They are walking home, and he races against the clock to get her back to her door before the spell breaks. He is mid-kiss when the clock strikes 2:00 AM, forcing him to sprint down a dark alley, leaving a confused Clara holding his borrowed jacket.
The Guys' Night Out:
Phil and Rex are at a swanky bar. When 1:55 AM hits, Rex realizes he left his Haskel-clothes at the bar across town. They race back, but Rex has to change into his 'Haskel-form' inside a tiny, locked bathroom stall at 1:59 AM. Phil, nervously guarding the door, nearly fails to stop Stuart from barging in to use the facility.
IV. The Climax
Haskel, as Rex, finally gets to confront a rude waiter who has snubbed him for years. In a dramatic, public monologue about the true meaning of customer service, Rex realizes he prefers being respected for his mind and not just his physique.
V. The Resolution
On the final night, Rex goes to the ZOLTAR machine and wishes for something truly meaningful: "I wish... I could finally be content with myself, exactly as I am."
The clock strikes 2:00 AM. Haskel is transformed back for good. The ZOLTAR machine spits out a single card that simply reads: "WISH GRANTED." The next morning, Stuart and Holly still think the machine is a piece of junk, but they notice Haskel is slightly more confident, and he manages to argue the waiter into giving him a free appetizer - the old-fashioned way.
- "The Wish & the Wardrobe" short test clip (final scene in the video):
A handsome, muscular young man stands confidently indoors, seemingly enjoying a relaxed holiday setting. Suddenly, he is struck by a powerful, crackling bolt of golden energy that emanates from his chest, momentarily enveloping his entire body in light and sound.
As the energy dissipates, the dramatic transformation is complete: the young man is replaced by a much older, heavyset gentleman with white hair. He stands in the exact same spot, looking down at his new physique with a mixture of confusion and dismay.
The powerful energy has been replaced by a quiet, awkward realization of the profound, unexpected change. The segment ends as the older man tentatively touches his belly, contemplating his new reality.
Scene video link (at start of video:)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WwL85oxqPo