Encanto

Surface Pressure unlocked the movie for me and made it more compelling than what I thought it would be - the inevitable discovery of Mirabel's gift... it's a discovery borne out of a family's denial.

With its Lin Manuel Miranda songs topping the music chartseveryone is dancing to Brunothe time is now to see this burst of animated family enchantment. Miranda gives this Oscar favorite a heart that sings and a spirit that soars.

To some degree, characters in these stories are empowered by overcoming trauma. But you could also see the trauma as creating or inspiring the empowerment.

Right away, there are too many human characters here and not enough jokes. But in most departments -- even including Lin-Michael Miranda's earnest songs -- the craft is at the level expected from a no-expense-spared Disney production.

You will be humming 'Welcome to the Family Madrigal' -- expositional but infectious -- all the way home. The characters are infectious, too, and well-drawn, enriching Encanto's world with gifts that extend far beyond their bestowed powers.

It's a little trite and hackneyed... But what distinguishes this film somewhat is a delightful weird streak.

One of Disney's most magical animated movies yet

A heartfelt watch that families will undoubtedly latch onto.

To cap it all off, the story by Jared Bush, Bryon Howard, and Charise Castro Smith focuses on empathy perfectly. It’s a wonderful watch for the whole family.

What makes this particular instalment of Disney dream-weaving a little bit different is texture. Pulling from a colourful Central American tradition that features brilliant cotton and woollen embroidery, we can almost feel the threads of every garment...