Encanto

By: Jamie Steinberg

Meet the family Madrigal. Thanks to an enchanted candle, every youngster in the family that comes to a certain age turns the knob on a magical door that provides them with a magical power. Unfortunately, when it was Maribel’s turn, she never received one. She’s the only Madrigal without something special – thus, making her an outcast. While Encanto teaches viewers the meaning of acceptance and family, it falls short on captivating audiences.

Encanto begins with a lengthy song from Maribel (Stephanie Beatriz) sharing the members of her family and the powers they possess. Bruno (John Leguizamo) can see the future, Luisa (Jessica Darrow) has super strength, Isabela (Diane Guerrero) has the ability to create flowers, Pepa (Carolina Gaitan) alters the weather with her mood, Camilo (Rhenzy Feliz) is able to morph, etc. All of these wonderful people live under the love and light from matriarch Abuela (Maria Cecilia Botero). However, since Maribel is lacking in any abilities she is pushed to the side and left feeling like an outsider in her own family. All things change when the magic home the Madrigals live in begins to falter and all the blame finds its way on Maribel who has gone snooping into the vision that Bruno once had about the future of the family.

Unfortunately, writers/directors Jared Bush, Byron Howard and Charise Castro Smith suffer from a “too many cooks in the kitchen” situation. There are too many characters to follow (just try following that opening number previously mentioned)! Additionally, it is never explained why Maribel never got her powers. Sure, the focus is on saving the family home, but Maribel is the one Madrigal who has been shut out! Plus, why would the family leave Maribel out of special family moments? Wouldn’t her parents be more inclusive to the point where they told relations that just because she was not as magical as they are it didn’t make her less of a Madrigal?

Regardless of these areas of contention, Encanto is a sweet, animated film that I am sure kids will enjoy. However, it falters when it comes to keeping the attention of the audience because there are more Madrigals than needed. If you’re looking for a Disney film for that everyone will enjoy, I suggest watching Sing 2. For those solely seeking a movie to play for the kids that will have them enchanted by music with Latin rhythms and have them occupied with a bit of Disney magic, check out Encanto.