Showcasing the best & worst tendencies of Walt Disney Animation Studios yet making for an effervescent delight for the most part, Encanto comes packed with wonderful songs, vibrant animation, Latinx flavours & familial themes but it also treads a familiar & risk-free path that employs the usual tiresome formula, repeated gags, predictable beats, one-note characters & quick resolves. Directed by Byron Howard & Jared Bush, the story addresses themes of family, expectations & generational trauma with its simple & small-scale premise but it's all dealt superficially, for the conflicts arising from the friction between our protagonist & her family get resolved a tad too easily like applying a band-aid to a cut that runs deep, which in effect makes its storyline contrived & emotions unearned. On the plus side, the film radiates a fun, ebullient & lighthearted quality that brings a certain warmth & richness to the viewing experience and its colourful animation, musical numbers & magical vibe help provide additional reinforcements. While its message is positive & uplifting and intentions good, it still required more digging to fully unearth its true potential. Instead, it settles for much less than what was up for grabs. Overall, Encanto is crafted with passion, told with affection and also has its heart at the right place but the studio's decision to play safe also prevents the film from harnessing the utmost capacity of its enchanting powers. Still, for what it's worth, Disney Animation's latest offering makes for an amusing, entertaining & wholesome fare for the whole family. Although far from their finest efforts, this musical-fantasy does have its charms & appeal.

See other user reviews