I only agree with a few points of the other commenters so far. Yes, the sound was frustrating, having to constantly turn it up or down, and most of the songs were not exactly impressive (though Carlos Vives’ “Colombia, Mi Encanto” will live rent free in my head, he’s a maestro). Yet, on the whole, I loved this movie because, for the first time, I almost perfectly identified with a Disney heroine. Like Mirabel, I have always wanted to make my family proud, worried that my gifts aren’t enough, and have tried my hardest to be empathetic, compassionate, and what other people need to shine to the best of their abilities (while wishing I had the courage and drive to shine myself). This movie brought up an ocean of intense emotions that I am still having a difficult time navigating, but one clear one is gratitude. For context, I am mixed, both typical White American and Colombian, and I still have a lot of family in Colombia. Colombia is a GORGEOUS country, full of incredible people, music, food, natural beauty, and so much heart. I am thankful beyond measure to see Colombia represented in such a loving way as this movie accomplished. Also, without giving spoilers, I thought the ending made perfect sense and was, in some way, a kind of wish fulfillment. Everyone wants to be appreciated and seen, and I finally felt so very seen through this movie.
It might not resonate with Everyone, may not be a universal tale, but I think anyone might find at least one character they can relate to in some sense. Give it a chance, and it may surprise you!
I agree with a lot of these comments, for me there were too many characters and they were all introduced at the same time. Very confusing and distracted from the story so I feel like a missed a little bit of it.
That said, it is a veritable FEAST for the eyes, My god the water in the lake towards the end - you could swear it was real. The main plot felt a little flimsy and it was never clear where this magic came from - was it the grandfather's sacrifice? Felt a bit redundant fighting for magical powers that the main characters didn't even seem to like that much... I enjoyed it though and nice to see a more cultural Disney.
Colorful beautiful magical animation. Recommended to all musical fans, multiple good songs are performed. Original story and interesting relations to follow and includes some action and intense moments too so the children watched with great interest.
I know people love Encanto, but if I give it a positive review, it's largely on the technical merits. It looks great, with what I feel are advances in hair and fabric physics and beautiful effects, imaginative musical sequences, and life-like "acting", and you can't go wrong with Lin-Manuel Miranda writing the songs (though I don't think this is one of his most memorable soundtracks). But we're pushed into the deep end immediately with two back-to-back info dumps (one of them a frenetic musical number), trying to introduce every member of a family with super-powers (of magical gifts), and then the house is alive and magic too, and it was all a bit confusing. Even now, I couldn't explain what the rules of this world are. Seeing some six writers credited confirms my impression that there's too much going on. It's not just the premise, but the themes as well. Ultimately, it's about acceptance, and the family unit as the best structure for that acceptance (so there may be something to the idea that Mirabel and We-Don't-Talk-About Bruno are stand-ins for gay characters), but this is dueling for attention with other (accidental?) metaphors. The older generation sticking their heads in the sand as the magic starts to fade seems akin to our leaders' lack of response to climate change, for example, and I just can't get behind a film where the "exceptional" privileged family gets to rule a community portrayed as so inept it needs its beneficent rulers to do everything for them. How patronizing. And then the lesson is that the outsiders and "little people" have to forgive misrule and protect the status quo? Either the messaging is out of control here, or Disney is training kids to accept their corporate masters. Either way, it's why Encanto falls apart for me.
Gorgeously realized and rich in culture and the value of family, but relies too much on slapstick and Lin Manuel-Miranda, neither of which really delivers.
As a brazillian, I though the aesthetics and music were on point as far as the South American theme go... I can't comment on Colombian culture but the only reference I saw to Colombia was the coffee.
Maybe I'm biased but this is probably the most FUN I had with Disney music though. Stephanie Beatriz amazed with her leading performance but the story and characters were forgettable.
The plot was all over the place. Boring generic characters. Toxic family, especially the grandma. The only character I sort of felt for was Bruno. Terrible songs. The main heroine gave me an 'Ugly Betty' vibe. People need to stop comparing it to Coco and The Book Of Life. Those films were exceptional. This is bland and mediocre.
Add your comment
Comments 1 - 15 of 18
GreyDragons
Characters weren't really developed and the plot was all over the place. But the aesthetics were amazing.jwagoner0507
I only agree with a few points of the other commenters so far. Yes, the sound was frustrating, having to constantly turn it up or down, and most of the songs were not exactly impressive (though Carlos Vives’ “Colombia, Mi Encanto” will live rent free in my head, he’s a maestro). Yet, on the whole, I loved this movie because, for the first time, I almost perfectly identified with a Disney heroine. Like Mirabel, I have always wanted to make my family proud, worried that my gifts aren’t enough, and have tried my hardest to be empathetic, compassionate, and what other people need to shine to the best of their abilities (while wishing I had the courage and drive to shine myself). This movie brought up an ocean of intense emotions that I am still having a difficult time navigating, but one clear one is gratitude. For context, I am mixed, both typical White American and Colombian, and I still have a lot of family in Colombia. Colombia is a GORGEOUS country, full of incredible people, music, food, natural beauty, and so much heart. I am thankful beyond measure to see Colombia represented in such a loving way as this movie accomplished. Also, without giving spoilers, I thought the ending made perfect sense and was, in some way, a kind of wish fulfillment. Everyone wants to be appreciated and seen, and I finally felt so very seen through this movie.It might not resonate with Everyone, may not be a universal tale, but I think anyone might find at least one character they can relate to in some sense. Give it a chance, and it may surprise you!
ucuruju
Very surprised about all the negative comments. This was a delight.dippygirl78
I agree with a lot of these comments, for me there were too many characters and they were all introduced at the same time. Very confusing and distracted from the story so I feel like a missed a little bit of it.That said, it is a veritable FEAST for the eyes, My god the water in the lake towards the end - you could swear it was real. The main plot felt a little flimsy and it was never clear where this magic came from - was it the grandfather's sacrifice? Felt a bit redundant fighting for magical powers that the main characters didn't even seem to like that much... I enjoyed it though and nice to see a more cultural Disney.
CodeV
Colorful beautiful magical animation. Recommended to all musical fans, multiple good songs are performed. Original story and interesting relations to follow and includes some action and intense moments too so the children watched with great interest.Siskoid
I know people love Encanto, but if I give it a positive review, it's largely on the technical merits. It looks great, with what I feel are advances in hair and fabric physics and beautiful effects, imaginative musical sequences, and life-like "acting", and you can't go wrong with Lin-Manuel Miranda writing the songs (though I don't think this is one of his most memorable soundtracks). But we're pushed into the deep end immediately with two back-to-back info dumps (one of them a frenetic musical number), trying to introduce every member of a family with super-powers (of magical gifts), and then the house is alive and magic too, and it was all a bit confusing. Even now, I couldn't explain what the rules of this world are. Seeing some six writers credited confirms my impression that there's too much going on. It's not just the premise, but the themes as well. Ultimately, it's about acceptance, and the family unit as the best structure for that acceptance (so there may be something to the idea that Mirabel and We-Don't-Talk-About Bruno are stand-ins for gay characters), but this is dueling for attention with other (accidental?) metaphors. The older generation sticking their heads in the sand as the magic starts to fade seems akin to our leaders' lack of response to climate change, for example, and I just can't get behind a film where the "exceptional" privileged family gets to rule a community portrayed as so inept it needs its beneficent rulers to do everything for them. How patronizing. And then the lesson is that the outsiders and "little people" have to forgive misrule and protect the status quo? Either the messaging is out of control here, or Disney is training kids to accept their corporate masters. Either way, it's why Encanto falls apart for me.Slowlondon
Really enjoyed it. Loved that it had so many characters.jmars
Gorgeously realized and rich in culture and the value of family, but relies too much on slapstick and Lin Manuel-Miranda, neither of which really delivers.chunkylefunga
Pretty average movie. Didn't really have much of a plot, or one that you particularly cared about and the songs were forgetable.Feels like Lin Manuel is just churning out mediocrity on a mass scale now.
Don't know who did the sound but it was all over the place, had to constantly turn it up or down. Really bad job there.
thyron
Nice family film with some serious undertones. Unfortunately, the resolution is almost as out-of-the-blue as in Luca.In the cinemas it's shown together with Far from fhe Tree , if you want to check that, too.
boulderman
Colourful, decent world wasn't grippedSukkermaur
fun and beautiful, but like others are saying, a little all over the place.SkilledLunatic
As a brazillian, I though the aesthetics and music were on point as far as the South American theme go... I can't comment on Colombian culture but the only reference I saw to Colombia was the coffee.Maybe I'm biased but this is probably the most FUN I had with Disney music though. Stephanie Beatriz amazed with her leading performance but the story and characters were forgettable.
alexthekid
The plot was all over the place. Boring generic characters. Toxic family, especially the grandma. The only character I sort of felt for was Bruno. Terrible songs. The main heroine gave me an 'Ugly Betty' vibe. People need to stop comparing it to Coco and The Book Of Life. Those films were exceptional. This is bland and mediocre.Zeus-Incorrigible
Voted most likely to make you ruin your makeup ugly crying on the bus <3Showing items 1 – 15 of 18