‘Encanto’ could have used another draft. Or 3.
New Disney movies draw me to the theater almost without question. Pandemic aside, we are usually in seats opening or second weekend. However these days, movies have to really, really draw us in to mask up and sit as far from strangers as possible. But lackluster reviews and word of mouth about a movie will typically convince us to stay home and wait for streaming.
I had hoped the “meh” response I’d heard/read about Disney’s “Encanto” was more personal taste than a resounding criticism, so when it dropped on Disney+ recently, I was excited to form my own opinions. Sadly, word of mouth was accurate.
“Encanto” is the story of the Madrigal family in Colombia who live in a magical house, or casita, blessed by the miracle their grandmother Abuela Almo received in the form of an enchanted candle. This miracle bestowed a magical gift on every member of the family, from super-strength to communicating with animals to foretelling the future. For everyone except Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz). For some reason, when it was her turn to receive her gift by touching a magical door, her door disappeared and nothing happened. Not to be deterred, she has spent the past years doing whatever she can to help her family and community, despite her lack of a gift.
On the day of her cousin’s ceremony, the casita begins to crack and fall apart. Fearing she is responsible, Mirabel begins a quest to find her tio Bruno (“We don’t talk about Bruno”) to find out if he has any insight (or foresight as he can see the future) as to what is happening.
Well, this wasn’t great. And I hate to say that because so many great people worked on it, namely Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the songs and contributed to the story. It is absolutely gorgeous. Mirabel’s sister Isabela (Diane Guerro) can spontaneously create flowers of vibrant colors and has a song where she shows off her gift brilliantly. There are cute moments with the kids and good bits of humor with her sister Luisa and her super-strength. But that’s it.
Otherwise, the rest of the film is kind of a swing and a miss.
The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.