ENCANTO – Review

So, you didn’t think we’d go through the year’s last two big holidays without a brightly-wrapped animated gift from the “Mouse House”? Of course not, because we’ve all been “special good’ in 2021 (well most of us). In case you’re wondering, this is our second film of the past year from the very talented folks at the Walt Disney Animation Studios (after RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON). Not that the Pixar crew has been idle, as they cooked up that tasty Italian dish LUCA a few months ago, And it would seem that the spirited competition (well friendly might be more applicable) has elevated all their efforts. Oh, and the WDAS artists are teaming up again with one of Broadway’s brightest talents for lots of intoxicating tunes. As a bonus, we’re heading into fairly unexplored territory (hey, SALUDOS AMIGOS and THE THREE CABALLEROS are from the 1940s), way, way south of the border. It’s the perfect family flick to savor after getting together after the big meal, because a big extended family is its focus, along with their home, the extraordinary ENCANTO.

We get the backstory of the magical Madrigal family from their matriarch, Abuela Alma (voice of Maria Cecilla Botero). Long long ago a tiny village was besieged by attackers, causing its residents to flee into the jungle. Unfortunately, the evil forces caught up to them, and only the sacrifice of Alma’s husband (and father of their triplet babies) could ensure their safe escape. But it seems his loss sparked some enchantment as their only candle continued to burn without melting. Then the trees and hills guided them to a new village and a seemingly living, ever-expanding mansion for the Madrigals, called Encanto. One part of its wonders becomes an annual tradition as the children who reach a certain age (looks to be about 8 or 9). It produces a golden glowing door for each, and when opened a special power, a “gift”, is bestowed upon the child. One lad is a “shape-shifter”, a lass is super strong, another can control the weather by her emotions. But then came bespectacled Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) whose door gave her…nothing. No powers…nada. But she carries on, and helps for the newest ceremony as her sister Isabela (Diane Guerrero) is being prepped to capture the heart of the handsome villager Mariano (Maluma). Then Mirabel notices cracks in the house’s perfect floor, then slight tremors. Is the magic fading? But can she even convince anyone of this since they think she may be just seeking attention? And could that mysterious figure dashing down the hallways be her long-missing uncle, the “unmentionable” Bruno (John Leguizamo)? Could he be the cause of this impending catastrophe? Oh my, the candle’s flame is sputtering…it’s almost going out….

Such a joyful celebration, this is an explosion of color and music. Speaking of the latter, the witty, top-tappin’ tunes are from that very busy mega-talent Lin-Manuel Miranda (his third feature effort this year), while the bouncy soundtrack comes from Germaine Franco. But back to those songs that reveal so much about the lead characters while advancing the story and never slowing down the flow of the film. Now as for the former, the color palette nearly bursts off the screen (I may need to return for the 3D version), mixing bright pastels with glowing golds and the lush greens of the surrounding jungles and hills. Needless to say that the intricate background settings benefit also, with the house becoming as much of a character as the Madrigal family and the villagers. Speaking of characters, big kudos to the artisans giving them form and features. Each one beams with originality, as we can easily tell then apart merely from the silhouettes. But just seeing the shapes you couldn’t marvel at the distinctive and expressive faces (jumping back to color, this film sidesteps the controversy earlier about the Latinx tones of IN THE HEIGHTS as every skin variance is represented). I must single out a few of my favorite designs: the muscular Luisa, the beefy but graceful dancer Felix, and the frantic Bruno. The last is matched perfectly (what incredible body language) with the energetic comic timing of Leguizamo, while Beatriz is a singing emotional dream as the lead Maribel. She’s a great new addition to the Disney Princess line (those blue glasses are a great visual touch), as she never allows herself to wallow in misery over the lack of getting a “gift” (her attitude and intelligence make up for a “super-power). And she’s proactive, not sitting and waiting to be helped or rescued. That’s all from the delightful script by Jason Hand, Nancy Kruse, Mirando, and the titanic trio of directors, Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charlie Castro smith (usually I snark about “too many cooks” but the end feast is so delicioso). This is a beautiful tale in every way with an incredible roster of diverse talents working at “the top of their game”. During the holiday rush take time to spend a few (very) minutes exploring the dazzling, exuberant fantasmagorical wonder that is ENCANTO.

4 Out of 4

ENCANTO opens in theatres everywhere on the evening of Tuesday, November 23, 2021