Encanto (Feature)
[{'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': "I don't write many reviews, because I don't feel I have a gift to make my words count.\n\nHowever, with the first review being the fellow who just said the movie was terrible, the songs suck, and he only watched half of it, I figure I have to chime in and set the record straight.\n\nFirst of all, whatever you think of the film, if you don't like the music, you're nuts. There's a reason the soundtrack is at the top of the charts, and it's because the music, ALL of it, is quite wonderful. Lin-Manual Miranda has the wonderful ability to express things in music in ways that get into your head and play their rhythms on your spine, so you're still humming them to yourself next week.\n\nAnd, in this case, they did a wonderful thing. They staged this animated musical like it was a live-action one, with the characters dancing in that magic way people do in musicals. For me, it made it even better, and there are several points where the perfect choreography brought a grin to my face, as they were able to do, in animation, moves that would have been nearly impossible in live-action. I would love to see someone produce this on a stage, but I'd bet they'd have trouble finding anyone who could hit all those moves spot on, the way the animated characters do here.\n\nThe story isn't breaking tremendously new ground, but what it does, it does splendidly. It's a Disney movie with the central character who everyone--including her--underestimates, until she rises to the occasion, as the heroes do in movies like this. That's a story Disney has been doing since Mickey Mouse in THE LITTLE TAILOR in the 1930's. They had fun with it here, setting it in Columbia, and bringing in lots of references to Columbian culture, particularly magic realism.\n\nI cannot write about the blu ray, which hasn't been released yet, but clearly, neither could the troll who wrote the one-star dismissal of it."}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'Finally. At last the people of Colombia are not depicted or demonized as "Narcos"!!! Disney took the time, made a massive and huge effort and a leap of faith. It paid off. This their first animated movie with no princess to save the day. No evil to fight, defeat, or slay.\n\nIts the story about family. A family thats has been hurt as deeply as any family can be hurt. A family that doesnt realize its hurting and in need of healing. Until literally thier house falls.\n\n"A house divided falls. A house united stands."\n\nI could write a whole book on everything thats shown in this movie. Including the music. But thats not the point. You dont even have to be a Colombiano/Colombiana or ser from a Familia Colombiana to understand this amazing, wonderful, caring movie.\n\nI am very touched and deeply greatful to Disney for making this movie and setting it in...\n\nColombia. Mi Tierra Querida!\n\nAt last...Muchas, Muchas, Gracias Disney.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'Disney has hit this one out of the ballpark! My teen daughter watched this in school in one of her classes and recommended it for our family movie night. We reluctantly rented in from Amazon as we really didn’t want to watch another Disney “princess” story. Well, in the 48 hour rental window, we watched the movie FOUR times! Great job, Disney!! Relevant themes sprinkled throughout the story, the heroine is the one without a “gift”, a very catchy soundtrack and there are many Easter Eggs throughout the movie also. We liked it so much that we bought the movie and since buying the movie, we have watched it at least four more times. If you’re going to spend money on a movie this year, this is definitely the one to spend it on!'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-3 review-rating', 'review_body': "First, this review is not in regards to the movie. The movie and music was amazing! The storyline relateable and music is addicting. The reason for the low rating it's for the lack of bonus features that usually came with DVD but now can only be found on Blu-ray or Disney+. I find it very disappointing and unfair that DVDs no longer carry the bonus edition because somebody it's not subscribing to the Disney membership or paying additional extra money for a different format like Blu-ray. Not everyone in the world is interested in submitting to streaming apps. In addition, individuals should not be penalized for not selecting higher prized movie format."}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': "I love the soundtrack and the message it's a beautiful story without needing a direct villain it's like the only Disney movie with no actual villain. A couple of family members are hinted at being kind of a villain but not really the only thing we have even approaching a villain is the Invaders at the very beginning of the movie which was a clip from 50 years prior who killed the grandfather Pedro"}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'By now, I imagine most people have watched this movie multiple times on Disney+. It\'s so good! It makes me laugh. It breaks my heart over and over and makes me cry happy tears over and over. The ending fills me with joy. It sends a powerful message about generational trauma and trying to live up to impossible expectations. It makes me sing along and sway to the music. It\'s by far the best animated Disney movie in years!\n\nSo basically the story: Mirabel is a cheerful, loving, and creative 15 year-old girl who grows up in a magical house. Each child born into her family has been granted a magical gift. Mirabel\'s mom has the power to heal anything with food. Her oldest sister Isabela is beautiful and perfect and can make flowers bloom everywhere, and her other sister, Louisa, has the strength to move mountains with ease. One of her cousins can shape shift, another can hear absolutely everything, and the third, well, he hasn\'t come into his power yet, but he\'s about to. Her aunt\'s emotions control the weather, and her uncle... Let\'s just say "we don\'t talk about Bruno."\n\nAnd Mirabel? Well, it looks like Mirabel alone was denied a gift, but that\'s okay. She\'s fine supporting and loving her family, trying to be the best sister, daughter, niece, and granddaughter she can possibly be. She\'s fine. Really, she\'s fine. Except...will she ever be enough for her Abuela? Will any of them really be enough for her Abuela?\n\nI really identified with Mirabel, and talking to my women friends, I know that others feel represented by Isabela and Louisa. It can be hard when there\'s a lot of pressure to fit in to your family, to be perfect, to be strong. No other Disney movie has captured family dynamics as brilliantly.\n\nThe whole look of this movie is colorful and gorgeous. The songs by the amazing Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton and Moana fame are so good!\n\nThe movie has already won the Golden Globe for best animated feature and has been nominated for many other awards, which I expect it will no doubt win, because it\'s just that wonderful.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'Purchased this for my grandchildren! They loved it! One is special needs and it kept him interested the whole time! Would definitely recommend it The shipping was fast and I was pleased with the seller!'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': "Regarding Amazon, it came on time in perfect condition.\n\nThe movie Encanto itself is a wonderful, very family oriented movie that both children and adults will love! It is a colorful, well-animated story of love, generosity, family togetherness and a serious conflict met with bravery, and forgiveness--all in the context of a close Colombian Latinx family with magical traditions and gifts that are used for the common good. It is thoroughly laced with the most upbeat joyful songs and music and I have ever heard in a Disney movie. You'll want to dance or at least tap your feet and watch it over and over again!!!"}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'I was curious about WHY we don’t talk about Bruno so I bought a copy as no one would tell me. LOVED this movie! It’s colorful, the characters are interesting, there are funny and sad parts, AND I got to know WHY we don’t talk about Bruno! Most kids (and some of us Adults who are big kids) will love this movie. Lively and moves well. Visually stunning and the songs are delightful. It’s a favorite now and one I hope share with future grandchildren.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'This is a story of love in a family. The dynamics are there. Many have magical abilities which they use to help others, but the central character, Mirabel, was not so "gifted." She is character of strength and great love. In fact, every character is someone to care about. Great music, laughter and tears Most of all, a very happy ending. Don\'t miss this one.'}]