Although the Hispanic flavor of Encanto may be quite the same a Pixar’s Coco, what makes this film different are its characters and mystery. Here it’s all about relationships within a family that has survived a life that was in peril using found magic. The film has many family values, creative ideas and a lot of comedy to hold youngsters to mid-teens in their seats until the very exciting ending.
The Madrigal family has come on hard times and needs to find a place to live. The family lead by Abuela Alma finds some magic and she builds a casita of which a town grows around it. We now find the family thriving with most of the members having special powers coming from the magical casita. Centering on one the family is Mirabel, who was unfortunately denied magical powers, but still gets along just fine with her sisters, mother, aunt and cousins.
Sisters Luisa, who controls vegetation and Isabela who is strong are protective of Mirabel, but she wants to help with protecting the homestead casita. Her mother Julietta sympathizes with Maribel, but has her own job of providing food for the community as well as medicinal aid. Determined to be supportive Mirabel tries to come up with some not to helpful ideas and finds herself getting into trouble. When the casita’s powers become jeopardized, Alma gets help from an unexpected member of the family.
The film moves along at a fast pace with a lot of comedy, musical numbers and some action. I like the film for the lively new characters, the family relationships, the cooperation of each of the members that are very supportive of each other and the sometimes dark side that comes from the cracks in the homestead.
The film has been rated PG by the MPAA for some thematic elements and mild peril. It is only playing in theaters. The songs are jovial, some a bit heartfelt and others whimsical. If you have youngsters, go along with them to see this film that will even touch your heart. (4 out of 5 Stars for youngsters to mid-teens).
Additional Film Information:
Directed and written by: Jared Bush, Byron Howard and Charise Castro Smith
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Musical
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 1 hr. 39 min.
Opening Date: November 24, 2021
Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
