Disney’s Encanto is a feel-good movie that the whole family can enjoy during the school holidays as 2021 comes to an end. – Picture courtesy of Disney
Disney’s Encanto is a feel-good movie that the whole family can enjoy during the school holidays as 2021 comes to an end. – Picture courtesy of Disney

AFTER Pixar's 2017 hit computer-animated musical Coco which featured Mexican culture, Disney Animation presents an equally charming movie with a Latin American background titled Encanto.

Set in Colombia, it follows the fantastical story of the Madrigal family who has lived in an enchanted house in the mountains for generations.

The mystical house is sentient thanks to a magical candle that has also bestowed superhuman abilities on each of the family members.

These powers include the ability to shapeshift into other people, control the weather, communicate with animals, heal others and possess immense strength.

Unfortunately, Mirabel (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz) is the only one who has not received the traditional magical gift.

The plucky and tenacious bespectacled heroine tries her best to fit in and aspires to be just as special but it's an uphill battle, especially since she doesn't live up to the expectations of her grandmother and matriarch Abuela Alma (María Cecilia Botero).

Although the family uses their unique gifts to help serve the community and their town, the family holds its own secrets.

The plucky bespectacled heroine Mirabel will tenaciously strive to save her family even though she is the only one without any special powers. – Picture courtesy of Disney
The plucky bespectacled heroine Mirabel will tenaciously strive to save her family even though she is the only one without any special powers. – Picture courtesy of Disney

So when Mirabel discovers that the magic powering her family is starting to wane, she decides to get to the bottom of it and help to make things right again.

In true Disney form, the movie has a relatable lead and various colourful characters, as well as funny moments and heartwarming revelations.

Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard of Zootopia fame deliver a well-paced and good-hearted tale that emphasises the value of family.

The story also does not feature an actual villain in the normal sense and highlights how even the ordinary can shine and be a valuable member of society.

Celebrated composer and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda who previously worked on Moana wrote the set of catchy songs imbued with Latin melodies and rhythms that deliver a somewhat memorable experience.

Aside from that, the movie also features great computer-generated animation and backdrops that will surely keep audiences entertained throughout.

Bottom line, Disney's Encanto is a feel-good movie that the whole family can enjoy during the school holidays as 2021 comes to an end.

NOW SHOWING

DISNEY'S ENCANTO

Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard

Voiced by Stephanie Beatriz, María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo, Mauro Castillo, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda, Carolina Gaitán, Diane Guerrero and Wilmer Valderrama

Duration 109 minutes

Rating P13