It’s quite a number for animated films, especially when you look at how long they’ve been in the business of making movies. From 1937’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” until now, Disney has been making animated classics.
Allen Adams noted in his review, “It’s literally generational – for over eight decades, families have been coming together to experience the magic of Disney animation.” Kids who grew up with these movies have shared the experience with their kids, who will grow up to share the films with their kids.
That’s why it’s appropriate that the latest film would focus so carefully on that fact. Magic and family and the magic of family. That’s “Encanto.”
Adams is right when he said, “The film – directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard from a screenplay co-written by Bush and Charise Castro Smith, with original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda – is a captivating exploration of what it means to be a family and the importance of maintaining those connections no matter what obstacles might arise, all refracted through a lens of magical realism.”
It is charming and sweet. Warm, feel-good family fun of the type that we’ve come to expect from Disney. Despite this might be on the lighter side, there’s no denying that audiences young and old will get lost in this magical land – there will be a lot of laughs and obviously a few tears, but maybe a little.
In the mountains of Colombia lives the Madigral family. Long ago, while escaping her home from some villains, a woman and her three infant children are rescued from certain death by a miraculous object, a candle that has magical powers (the titular Encanto). That candle creates a sensitive house – called Casita – where they all may live.
A village grows around the house, a village served and protected by the continuously growing Madrigal family, led by Abuela, played by Maria Cecilia Botero. With the magic, each member of the family is given a gift, a superhuman talent that makes them special. Abuela’s three children are the first to receive those gifts – Julieta (Angie Cepeda) can heal with cooking, Pepa (Carolina Gaitan) can control the weather, and Bruno (John Leguizamo) can see the future. As the Madrigal children grow up, marry and have children of their own, the next generation receives their own gifts.
All but Mirabel, voiced by Stephanie Beatriz.
Mirabel’s gift never came, leaving her the only member of her family without a unique power. Her older sisters both got them – the perfect Isabela (Diane Guerrero), who makes flowers bloom, and the strong Luisa (Jessica Darrow), who has super strength – as did her cousins, the shape-shifting Camilo (Rhenzy Feliz) and the super-hearing Dolores (Adassa). However, Mirabel stays ordinary, an outcast exactly like her Uncle Bruno, but for very different reasons.
However, the night her young cousin Antonio, voiced by Ravi-Cabot Conyers, gets his gift – he can speak to animals – Madrigal sees something that scares her. She sees cracks appear in Casita, visions of their home coming down as the magical candle flickers and is about to be extinguished. Her warnings are ignored by her family, which makes her want to try and find a solution on her own.
This attempt leads her to her Uncle Bruno’s room – long abandoned – hoping to discover what his final vision, the one that made him run from the family, might have said. When her fears come to pass – when the magic starts to fade – it is up to the ordinary Mirabel to attempt the difficult task, saving her family and reigniting the magic.
Adams noted, ““Encanto” is a sweet and culturally thoughtful animated adventure, a film that illustrates Disney’s recent commitment to exploring the experiences of other global communities. Its focus on family dynamics – positive and not-so-positive alike – give it a sense of universality to which most audiences will relate.”
Adams continued, “There’s an underlying goofiness to much of the action that carries broad appeal. For instance, the fact that the house is an honest-to-goodness character, one that is as distinct and engaging as any, lends itself to some entertaining set pieces. The film is packed with bits that embrace the lighter side of these talents – sight gags and throwaway lines and other jokes that will elicit laughs from viewers of any age.”
Obviously, the story wanders a little – Mirabel is a wonderful protagonist, but her quest feels a little incomplete. You might think if the narrative could have been helped from a little more development in certain ways. Adams said, “However, the sheer wattage of charm that emanates from our lead largely makes up for that narrative thinness.”
The songs are solid, but there aren’t really any of the standouts you can sometimes get from Disney and/or Miranda. Still, you’ll be dancing along throughout – they’re all catchy, even if they aren’t really going to be added to your playlists.
The voice cast is excellent. Beatriz is exceptional as Mirabel, finding a balance between courage and self-doubt that is convincing and relatable. On top of that, she can sing. Adams noted, “Every other cast member has their moments, though there are a few that I found to be particular standouts – Guerrero and Darrow as Mirabel’s sisters are both wonderful, as is Botero as the imperious Abuela. Honestly, though, they’re all great. And yes, Disney mainstay Alan Tudyk turns up – he’s a toucan, because of course he is.”
“Encanto” may not be the greatest of Disney’s 60 animated films, but it is more than good enough. Hands down, the heartfelt nature, the deep investment on what it means to be part of a family. Adams ended his review by saying, “You’ll definitely laugh, and if you’re like me, you’ll cry a little too. All in all, I found it to be a truly magical experience.”
I didn’t see this in theaters, probably because I wasn’t really wanting to see it in theaters at the time it was released. I was playing it safe and waiting for it to come out on Disney+, which it did on Christmas. If you haven’t seen this, see it on Disney+ because this is great. Even though Pixar did an animated film on the Day of the Dead, this is a different type of Spanish film. You should check it out because the animation, voice cast, story, songs, and everything about this was enjoyable. You will be glad that you saw this after you finish watching it.
Thank you for joining in on my review today. Tomorrow I will be wrapping up “Space Month.”
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