Encanto is Disney/Pixar’s latest effort and like virtually every one of their films, it has the standard trappings: Dazzling animation, terrific voice over work and a message that speaks to both kids and adults without alienating any demographic.
The movie centers around an elderly woman named Alma (María Cecilia Botero) who possesses a magical candle called an Encanto. Through the candle, she is able to sprout a brand new village after her former one was destroyed by conquistadors.
Also through the candle, it gives each member of her family unique gifts that they use to better the community. That is, of course except for her granddaughter, Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz). She’s gifted with nothing.
The rest of the family’s gifts include doing such unbelievable acts as seeing the future, making flowers bloom instantly, possessing superhuman strength and even controlling the weather. You might be wondering if the script is ripping off The Incredibles or the X-Men.
Mirabel is determined to find her gift, but by doing so, she starts making the townspeople distrust her due to outrageous claims such as seeing things that aren’t there. Even her own grandmother is beginning to wonder if she’s worthy of having a gift.
The rest of the movie is filled with equal magic as the story itself, including musical numbers that would rival anything in the Frozen movies, and the animation is on par with more recent Disney computer animated movies such as Moana.
However, Encanto has much more going for it than its eye-pleasing visuals or its infectious music. Similar to many Pixar movies, there’s a great heart to it all by telling a story that embraces cultural diversity and that everyone has a unique ability to shine.
In a weak year for animated movies, Encanto is a not-so-obvious standout.
Grade: A-
(Rated PG for some thematic elements and mild peril.)
