using "it needs" like "it takes"

[vulpes]

hi from a newcomer.

"it needs a magic wand to make this dream come true."

is it correct? awkward? unsusual? wrong?

does it sound odd? natural?

[Mister Micawber]

It sounds non-native, Vulpes. The use of preparatory 'it' in 'it takes' is common for both time and resource: 'it takes 10 minutes to reach the station', 'it takes a lot of guts to travel in the Middle East'.

X'It needs...', however, does not enjoy this popularity; your sentence should be recast as 'a magic wand is needed' or 'you need a magic wand'.

[vulpes]

thank you.

[HCaulfield]

It's different if you say "a magic wand is needed...". I reckon "it needs" is somewhat Spanglish and usually is not used when "it" refers to nothing specific.