So Encanto has some-not a lot- but some of that Disney escapism that makes you forget where you're seated and takes you to another place. One track shots showing the boy utilize his animal-whispering gift, and the entire song/set pieces of "We Don't Talk About Bruno" are definite highlights, and give you some hope for future Disney movies. The movie excels when focusing on the music and the ways that the characters' powers can be utilized for unexpected comedic relief, but it slows to molasses and becomes semi-cringy when focusing on the themes of "finding your true self" and generational misunderstanding. It's not that these aren't valuable themes, it's just that it's so beaten over your head, and so telegraphed that it loses any power it could have had by the end. Without an obvious underlying message, I think I would've enjoyed this movie just as much, if not more, as a sort of Raidersesque type adventure movie devoid of obvious meaning.
But the movie is not a lost cause; the middle section of the movie has immense energy (sparked by the fantastic number "We Don't Talk About Bruno") and has some of the most creative, colorful, and gorgeous visuals I've ever seen in a Disney movie.
So watch the movie for the songs, sounds, sights, shadows, lighting, and just try to swallow the force fed message down as smoothly as possible. It's worth it, even if it's not up there with Disney's best.
But the movie is not a lost cause; the middle section of the movie has immense energy (sparked by the fantastic number "We Don't Talk About Bruno") and has some of the most creative, colorful, and gorgeous visuals I've ever seen in a Disney movie.
So watch the movie for the songs, sounds, sights, shadows, lighting, and just try to swallow the force fed message down as smoothly as possible. It's worth it, even if it's not up there with Disney's best.