Disney continues with its efforts to be more inclusive to markets outside North America with Encanto. The effervescent and vibrant film sets the action in the worlds of South America and magic and gets most of the details right. Music man of the moment Lin-Manuel Miranda had his hand in the original songs and they are a mixed bunch. Lots of verses but not many memorable choruses. There are also the obligatory rap numbers.
The cast is filled with an interesting mix of voice actors from both North and South America. Northerners include Stephanie Beatriz Bischoff Alvizuri (Rosa Diaz in Brooklyn Nine-Nine), John Leguizamo (John Wick), Diane Guerrero (Maritza Ramos in Orange Is the New Black) and Wilmer Eduardo Valderrama (Fez in That ’70s Show). While Columbian actors María Cecilia Botero (La Bruja), Angie Cepeda (Pobre Diabla) and Carolina Gaitán (Narcos) also star. The cast’s comfort with both English and Spanish enhances the proceedings.
The story follows the Madrigal family and the magic that surrounds them. They are pillars of the community and each member of the family, when they come of age inherit magical powers except Mirabel (Beatriz) who becomes the try-hard outsider. It’s her journey that underpins the adventure. Her trials are universal and defy cultures and countries and her ultimate destination is inclusive and heart-warming.
Like almost all current Disney product that speaks well of a unified world, these works should succeed in erasing the back-steps moments from the past. With efforts as ebullient and energetic as Encanto, those uncomfortable memories will fade and be replaced by a corporate ethnic much more in tune with reality.
Rob Hudson
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