Encanto

During this holiday season, there will be several animated films for audiences to choose from. "Sing 2" is released soon and now "Encanto" is offered to us from the Disney studios. While Disney has tackled many different forms of producing films, their animation, which they are world-known for, cannot be beat.

"Encanto" tells the tale an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous , charmed place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal every child except one, Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz). But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family's last hope. The patriarch, Abuela Alma (Maria Cecilia Botero), her sister Isabella (Diane Guerrero) and others seem to feel the need to suppress Mirabel considering her limitations of having a gift, but Mirabel ultimately realizes that she must find the 'black sheep' of the family, Bruno (John Leguizamo) in order to connect any reasoning of how the Encanto is beginning to lose its magic.

Others to round out the cast are Mauro Castillo as Felix, Jessica Darrow as Luisa, Angie Cepeda as Julieta, Carolina Gaitan as Pepa, Wilmer Valderrama as Agustin, Rhenzy Feliz as Camilo, Ravi Cabot-Conyers as Antonio, Adassa as Dolores and Maluma as Mariano.

This was whimsically directed by Jared Bush ("Zootopia" (co-dir.) '16) plus a music video, Byron Howard ("Tangled" '10, "Zootopia" '16) plus a music video and shorts, and co-directed by Charise Castro Smith. This was directed with such pathos and compassion that one felt as though you knew these people extraordinarily better than when the film started. Even though these directors haven't garnered a tremendous amount of experience in the director's chair, their quality speaks for itself. It was equally and creatively written by Charlise Castro Smith ("The Death of Eva Sofia Valdez" (TV movie) '16) plus TV and Jared Bush ("Zootopia" '16, "Moana" '16) plus TV and a video game, based on a story by Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith, Jason Hand, Nancy Kruse and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Again, with the collective, limited writing experience, this script was spot on! It was easy to follow, concise and cohesive in their ability to convey this story to the audience. It was based on a story by six artists and with this, it was truly smart to have only two of them to write the screenplay, otherwise it could've been convoluted with so many writers. And what can I say about Lin-Manuel Miranda? His music was remarkable and definitely enhanced this production. Coming off his music he created for "Hamilton", "In the Heights" and extra music for "Mary Poppins Returns", he is incredibly talented with every project he touches. 

If you like an amazing animated film from the king of animation, Disney, and great music from Lin-Manuel Miranda, you will love this. It is also presented in a 3D format for your viewing pleasure, however, seeing this on the large screen, I believe you don't need to see this in that format to get that grandiose feeling. This is a charming and great family film for all. The animated short at the beginning, "Far from the Tree" was charming with a great message.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                      Rated: PG                        102mins., animated short, 8mins.