Not since 2013's 'Frozen' has Disney had a highly successful animated feature film despite there being barely any advertising for 'Encanto' (most likely because they were trying to spend it all on 'Eternals' because they knew 'Eternals' was going to bomb spectacularly and had to force it down all our throats as a result).
Despite that and not many cinemas being open at the time, it still became very successful. 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' also became the number one Disney song since 'Let It Go' from 'Frozen' (personally I prefer 'Surface Pressure' over 'Bruno'). That year Disney released two films; 'Raya and the Last Dragon' and 'Encanto'. Out of both films, 'Encanto' was better received than 'Raya' (despite the dragon for "wow" factor).
Whilst I like both films even I agree with the fact that 'Encanto' was better than 'Raya'. At least it was a musical brought to life by musical legend Lin-Manuel Miranda (well known for 'Hamilton').
The story starts off with Mirabel being taught by her grandmother about how her family and village high in the Colombian mountains came to be. When her family members become of age they're given special powers by the special candle that Mirabel's grandmother carries in remembrance of her husband who died trying to protect her and the other villagers many decades earlier.
Each family member is given those powers to help the villagers around them. Their powers and family members are explained during the 'The Family Madrigal' number...all except Mirabel's uncle Bruno who they're not supposed to talk about. It is at the end of the song that we find out that Mirabel is the only one that doesn't have any special powers.
After going back to her own room, Mirabel finds that her youngest cousin Antonio is worried about what his powers might be...or if he'll not get any at all because of what happened with Mirabel. Mirabel tries to reassure Antonio that he will get special powers that evening but the young boy is clearly scared.
Later on that evening it's time for Antonio to get his powers. Still frightened, he asks Mirabel to accompany him up the stairs to his grandmother and the candle. Mirabel tries to tell him that she can't but the boy is insistent; "I can't do this without you!" he whispers to her. Mirabel steps out of the shadows and reluctantly accompanies her brother, whilst at the same time remembering the evening how she never got her powers.
After touching the candle, Antonio is given the gift to communicate with animals. Everyone is relieved especially their grandmother. Mirabel is also relieved but rather sad too since once again she feels like an outsider from the rest of her family ('Waiting On A Miracle'). It is during this moment that Mirabel starts seeing cracks around her house. Once she sees this she tries to warn her family but her pleas go unnoticed; the house is fine.
Confused, she asks around as to why this could be happening as she tries to save the magic and the house. No-one is willing to answer her...aside from her older sister Louisa (after the brilliant 'Surface Pressure' number. Sorry again 'Bruno') who tells her to look in Bruno's room for answers.
After I gave 'Encanto' a chance I found out that I really enjoyed it. It has a very catchy soundtrack to add to the mix as well.
My only problem is that it would've been better if Bruno had actually been a proper villain than yet another "misunderstood villain" that Disney have dished out once again. I think he would've made quite a scary villain with his powers to see into the future.
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