What if everyone around you had a gift, something that made them special and unique? What if your entire is family is made up of magical beings? What if even your house was enchanted? What if you had all that and were still very normal? That is the problem in which Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) finds herself in Disney’s Encanto. Even though Mirabel’s siblings, tía, mother, and cousins are all gifted with incredible talents she takes her normalness* in stride. Things change when Mirabel feels her family’s magic fading away. What can she, a person with no gifts, do to help the Familia Madrigal?
This multigenerational tale is absolutely perfect to take your entire family to see over the holidays. At the heart of the movie, family is what is being celebrated. Kids will rejoice in the vivid colors and lush animation (and cute animals running around everywhere), teens will see themselves in Mirabel’s coming of age story, Parents will enjoy the message that everyone is special, and Broadway nerds will really be in for a special treat. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs are very much in keeping with his In the Heights and Hamilton soundtracks. The songs are delicious and catchy. Stephanie Beatriz and others (John Leguizamo, Jessica Darrow, Carolina Gaitan, Dianne Guerrero, Adassa, etc.) lend their voices to perfect Disney songs. The songs will be replayed on repeat over and over again on the way to and from schools across the country.
Encanto is called a place of wonder in the film. The movie is very much a thing of wonder. It’s magical and perfect. It needs to be seen!
*Mirabel is anything but normal. She is empathetic, cheerful, and helpful. She is a leader. She is a great role model for kids. And she can sing like a good Disney character should!
Encanto is now playing in theaters!