Movie #2061 ........................."Encanto"(Disney)

 Movie #2061 "Encanto" (Disney)  I was recently reminded that I hadn't done a blog on this one that I saw a couple of days ago, and it's maybe because I had mixed feelings about it and put it on hold.   The animation was outstanding, the colors out of this world, the characters were many ( a few more delineated than others ) and no real villain!  A win for families, I am sure.  But like "Soul," I felt the story could have been clearer.  The pacing of the film right from the get -go was quite fast, and I think Disney thinks it has to be to keep the kids entertained, and I get that, but after viewing the film I really couldn't tell you the details of the whole story --- and that's okay, because I am not the designated audience here, so I hope kids could follow easily.  Or maybe kids should be challenged by a story line in their animation?  But I hope there's some universality that comes through here, since it deals with a diverse culture.  A job here is to teach at least a little of another culture, and I guess it does that............but kind of fast and furious.   Also, thank god for Mirabel, who IS likable and like us, even though she is in a fantastical world .  Her lesson is a good one --- that it takes everyone working together to get things done, but I just wish that last number stood out a bit more --- because the rest of the film had quite a few ballads from each character, so music wise, that last one has to cinch the theme --- it probably was just me because after an hour and 1/2 of splashing of color,  busy dance numbers, and characters mostly loud and in my face, I was searching for more quiet moments, more poignancy and an ending number that pulled it all together.  I don't know if this makes sense, but sufficeth to say, I liked the film, but I liked Manual's "Vivo" better --- I even liked "Luca" a tad more, storyline-wise --- at least, I stuck with both of those longer.  I am eager to see what you parents think if you have seen these 3  films lately and compare them with your kids.   With this one, I was a little less excited about, but once again, it could be me........ I'd give it 3.8 out of 5.  Liked the music and colors and Mirabel, not so much the story.

"ENCANTO"           2021      PG     1 hour and 42 minutes

A young Columbian girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.  (this one written by IMDB)

Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Columbia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called Encanto.  The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal-every child except one, Mirabel.  But when she discovers that the magic of Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal , might just be her exceptional family's last hope.   (this one written by Disney Studios)

Directors:  Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Caatro Smith

Writers:  Charise Castro Smith, Jared Bush, Byron Howard

Stars:  Stephanie Beatriz, Maria Cecillia Botero, John Leguizano

PS - 8 original songs  by Lin-Manual Miranda