Dome Pondering Movie Review: Encanto (2021)

What is it about?

A young Columbian woman struggles with the reality that she is the only member of her family without magical powers.

Who is in it?

Stephanie Beatriz - Mirabel

John Leguizamo - Bruno

Maria Ceclia Botero - Abuela Alma

Favorite Scene:

[spoiler alert]

After the cracks in the magic finally causes a stir, Mirabel and her Abuela have honest words about the magic and the sustainability of it all.

Favorite Quote:

"Maybe your gift is being in denial"

Review:

Encanto is a highly interesting film. Of course, there is the hype and the intrigue that comes along with such a film as it builds a reputation, but really, for me, the film is so outside of the box for Disney, that it is refreshing, engaging, and offers so much replay value. Probably, the reasons for its popularity.

Encanto offers up a plot that unravels and unveils itself as the film progresses, leaving you continuously engaged on the matter to tie the whole movie together. Until you get there, you're given quirky characters, a wonderful soundtrack, and an abundance of insight of what eventually comes together. The mystery carries the film.

Yet, the beauty of Encanto is its diversity of characters in appearance, in customs, and in representation, as well as the missing element of the traditional "princess" protagonist who relies on a male character for a plot solution. Mirabel was strong and handled her own.

Yet, it's the message (or even lessons) from the plot that is left up to the viewer to interpret - however you view the magic and its power source. For me, Encanto touches on the strength to abide and stay true to one's ethical compass, despite its conflict with tradition. Magic isn't defined by that tradition, but by the integrity that one carries with the tradition.

Yes, I know - deep stuff. Encanto is magic like that.

Of course, I highly recommend it. Go turn it on and get your own takeaway.

Grade: 4/5

Recently Read Posts

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/21/23

3 Up 1. Jim Brown's Legacy - It almost felt like it went without notice (maybe, just for me?), but the great Jim Brown left us this week. A fantastic athlete, with a more prominent voice and presence, Brown reshaped and redefined the standard for using your platform, and of course, expanding your influence. 2. Indoor Farms - As our natural resources became scarce, in some ways, alarmingly damaged (that's another discussion for another day), we've seen some amazing alternatives come about. The presence of indoor farms has been such, especially this precise farm in Compton that has produced 4.5 million pounds of leaves. Most importantly, is a resource within the community that was not available before. 3. $11B Rural Clean Energy Project - I'm sure they'll be some political retort to this, because well, there always is. But bringing clean energy to many rural areas of the United States is very much part of the issue in advancing our clean energy. On the surface, it

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/28/23

3 Up 1. Memorial Day Weekend - There are a lot of people who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. It's more than a three-day weekend, or the unofficial start to summer - take some time and appreciate the many lives given to be where we are. 2. Tina Turner - An absolute favorite of mine, Turner leaves us with nothing but awesome songs, memories, and a vibe and energy that was unmatched. 3. Debt Limit Deal - Well, one week later and I think I understand the entire debt limit stuff. Nonetheless, we're giving it an "Up" as it's settled. Crisis averted? Go America. 3 Down 1. Target Rescinds Pride - Our society has become ridiculous. After conservatives railed liberals for "cancel culture", the right has doubled down with threats at Target regarding their Pride Month displays. All of this follows a Bud Light ban. We've officially become a country where we all cancel what we don't like. So much for discourse. 2. Catholic Church in Illinois -

End of the 22-23 Knicks Season

Josh Hart was wide open at the top of the key. Julius Randle just didn't feel like the target of that pass. Jalen Brunson turning the ball over felt like an apropos. Regardless, the end of the 2022-2023 New York Knicks Season is here and it hurts. It definitely hurts. Yet, for the first time in SOOOOOOOOO LONGGGGGG, I have what's called, hope. Hope! As the youngest team in the NBA Finals, and one that fell just two games short of the Eastern Conference Finals, this team - heck, this organization! - is very much on the right path. This year was fun, and at the same time rewarding. Next year will surely come with some expectations, many of which have already started, including the latest need for a superstar. We all know how that goes. There is already a lot of dumb mock trades and ridiculous narratives that are driving me nuts. Regardless, it was a good year. We very much need to say that more. Here are five really salient thoughts as we head toward the off-season. Jalen

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/23/23

3 Up 1. "Gardening" Under Water - It's always doom and gloom when it comes to our planet. However, on the weekend of Earth Day, it was really cool to learn that scientists are creating new opportunities to replace coral reefs in the oceans. Of course, coral reefs combat CO2, which is super helpful to us all. 2. Boxing - I've long stated boxing needs some sort of update. Just my quick take, but the sport gained a huge win this weekend with the Davis vs. Garcia fight. Great stuff. Great fighters. Good fight. 3. Jim Fullan, Grandfather Student-Athlete - So much credit to Fullan who is retired, and is now pursuing his dreams as a...student-athlete! Fullan enrolled in a local community college and made the team and is now playing college baseball. That's pretty damn cool. I hope the athletic trainer is ready to go... 3 Down 1. Gun Use - Every week that goes by, our obsession with guns becomes sicker and sicker. See the two sub-categories "downs": 1a. Ra

Dome Pondering

Search This Blog