"Encanto" (2021) | Sam Gall Movie Review Issue #160 Gem Mint 10
Updated: Jan 16, 2022
"Encanto" (2021)
Director: Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith
Writer: Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith, Nancy Kruse, Lin-Manuel Miranda
Starring: Stephanie Beatriz, Maria Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo, Mauro Castillo, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda, Carolina Gaitan, Diane Guerrero, Wilmer Valderrama, Rhenzy Feliz, Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Adassa, Maluma
Rated: PG for some thematic elements and mild peril
Runtime: 1h 42m
Genre: Animation | Comedy | Drama | Family | Fantasy | Musical
Country: United States | Columbia
Language: English | Spanish
Available on: Various VOD platforms / Disney+
A young Colombian girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers."
You might like this if you like: Animation, Comedies, Dramas, Family Films, Fantasy, Musicals, Columbia, Disney, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stephanie Beatriz, Maria Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo, Mauro Castillo, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda, Carolina Gaitan, Diane Guerrero, Wilmer Valderrama, Rhenzy Feliz, Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Adassa, Maluma
Stephanie Beatriz in "Encanto" (2021)
Probably because I don’t have a kid, these aren’t the first movies I’m running out to see anymore, but I always, always have a good time watching animated films. Especially Disney’s. And the more diverse stories they’re telling, especially with a recent movie like ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ which was Vietnamese, I’m really intrigued with where they will go next and ‘Encanto’ is one damn good follow-up.
Angie Cepeda in "Encanto" (2021)
It certainly attracted me with the superhero aspect from the trailer, but getting to explore the full story in the film, and see how it really is about the opposite of superheroes, was a fascinating aspect and my favorite part of the film. In a world surrounded by superheroes, inside the story and outside in the real world, we’re surrounded, so having someone who’s just as strong and inspiring to take over and be the heroic one for a change, was definitely refreshing. We did get a little bit of that in Disney’s ‘Hawkeye’, but this was more the centerpiece I think and made for a wonderful adventure.
Abuela Alma in "Encanto" (2021)
I didn’t realize it was so music heavy, but again that’s on me for not doing much research before watching. I really enjoyed going in dark for this movie, I didn’t remember much from the trailer, but as someone who doesn’t consume a massive amount of musicals, I loved the music and how it was incorporated into the story. The characters were so great too that I’d just be willing to see them do anything. Luisa; the best. Those poor donkeys!
"Encanto" (2021)
I’m mainly recommending this film, because I think it’s really important for generations to come to have. Kids today, even us, even older folks. It’s what we should’ve had in the Disney Animated Features decades ago. We need more diverse stories like these. Ones from every corner of the world. People need to be seen. I do think it’s not a perfect movie, but it’s a beautiful step in the right direction. Definitely watch with the family and if you have kids, even more.
Written by Sam Gall on Dec 26, 2021
CGC Grading: Gem Mint 10.0
"You will be humming 'Welcome to the Family Madrigal' -- expositional but infectious -- all the way home. The characters are infectious, too, and well-drawn, enriching Encanto's world with gifts that extend far beyond their bestowed powers." - Whelan Barzey, Time Out
"A smiling tale about familial reconciliation and learning to see your relatives for who they are rather than who you wish they were is never unwelcome." - Christian Holub, Entertainment Weekly
"What's interesting and unexpected is the film's subtle acknowledgement of culturally specific generational trauma and displacement." - Simran Hans, Observer (UK)
"A thoroughly charming and fun fantasy adventure, one well worth catching on the big screen if you get the chance." - Travis Johnson, Mr. Movie's Film Blog
Official Trailer:
Behind the Scenes:
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