Encanto

With Encanto, Disney has its 60th film from its well known and loved Animation Studios since 1937's Snow White. Much like Raya and the Last Dragon, this one also has a very diverse cast, though of Hispanic actors with many of them being Columbian wherein this movie is set. Set in a small village, the Madrigal family are the main proprietors due to each member having a special magical gift, given to them by an enchanted candle, that helps and gives hope to everyone. The family and village is led by Alma, whose husband's sacrifice created the candle and a sentient house. When a member of the family reaches a certain age they are given their magical gifs, such as healing with food, animal communication, or super strength. Mirabel, Alma's granddaughter, however never got any powers and has often been looked down upon by the rest of the family despite trying to do the best she can. While everyone celebrates when her cousin, Antonio, gets his powers, Mirabel notices things going wrong in the Casita and fears that the magic is dying. Concerned, Mirabel's questions causes many of her family members to question themselves and what they want to actually do. Needing answers, Mirabel finds a long lost relative, whose prophecies made him an outcast, and the answer they get leads to some trouble that eventually causes the magic and Casita to fail. Realizing that her controlling nature led to many in the family not being happy and true to themselves, Alma apologizes to Mirabel and when the entire family rebuilds Casita on their own the magic is restored. Props for everyone involved in this movie for the precise and exact attention to detail towards the Columbian culture. Having most of the cast be Columbian adds to such an authenticity as they all give strong, fun, and emotional vocal performances. Whether it be well known actors like Stephanie Beatriz, Wilmer Valderrama, and John Leguizamo or less well known like Maria Cecilia Botero and Adassa, all of them were amazing. The writing for this movie is really smart, not just in how great it tells its story but how it deals with the emotional repercussions of each family members' powers. Luisa has super strength and thus is relied upon by everyone as they think she can handle everything, though she frequently questions herself and is too worried about failing. Isabela makes beautiful flowers and is thus seen as needing to be perfect until she learns she can make more exotic plants and gets to reveal her true self. Another aspect to the writing that not only makes it great but unique is how it doesn't follow the typical Disney animated formula as Mirabel doesn't have an animal sidekick, no antagonists to fight, and the plot is more to prevent a possible disaster rather than dealing with it head on. As it has been proven time and time again, having Lin-Manuel Miranda be in charge of your songs is a recipe for great success. Between Miranda's songwriting and Germaine Franco's scoring, you have one of Disney's best music. Of course, none of that can work well without the absolutely fantastic, beautiful, and detailed animation. If there's one negative thing I can find about Encanto is just how short it is, but other then that it's a masterpiece. Over all: 100%

2021 top list so far:

1. Encanto

2. In the Heights

3. No Time to Die

4. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

5. The Green Knight

6. Candyman 2021

7. The Suicide Squad

8. Ghostbusters: Afterlife

9. Last Night in Soho

10. Dune 2021

11. Free Guy

12. Nobody

13. Black Widow

14. A Quiet Place Part II

15. Respect

16. Raya and the Last Dragon

17. Malignant

18. Eternals

19. Halloween Kills

20. Jungle Cruise

21. Cruella

22. Wrath of Man

23. F9

24. Venom: Let There Be Carnage

25. Snake Eyes

26. Old

27. Space Jam: A New Legacy