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.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Feb 18, 2022

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.

| Feb 4, 2022

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.

| Dec 30, 2021

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.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 6, 2021

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.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 2, 2021

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

| Dec 1, 2021

A smiling tale about familial reconciliation and learning to see your relatives for who they are rather than who you wish they were is never unwelcome.

| Original Score: B | Nov 30, 2021

What's interesting and unexpected is the film's subtle acknowledgement of culturally specific generational trauma and displacement.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 27, 2021

Encanto earns its tears.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 26, 2021

Inarguably, it's an out-and-out delight.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 25, 2021

Families will enjoy "Encanto" but what may be more meaningful are the conversations we have afterward.

| Original Score: A- | Nov 25, 2021

The absence of a hissable villain keeps "Encanto" from being a great animated film but it's still a good one.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 24, 2021

The foundations of a family are tested in Encanto, an appealing animated film which finds fresh ways to tell a story about characters with powers.

| Nov 24, 2021

From its predictably gorgeous yet unimaginative visuals, to its familiar songs and predictable story, the film does feel rather safe despite being superficially groundbreaking for the studio.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 24, 2021

It's overblown at times and a bit too busy - visually, emotionally, and as narrative - but its vibrancy and ingenuity are hard to resist.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 24, 2021

It's a creative, fresh take on a story that is much more complex than your standard fairy tale.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 24, 2021

Despite a few missteps, Encanto is one of the more charming animated movies to hit theaters this year.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 24, 2021

Encanto might be the best Disney animated film since Frozen.

| Nov 24, 2021

There's nothing to dislike about this latest animated film in the Disney canon (No. 60!), but there's also not much about it that sticks either...

| Nov 24, 2021

A heartfelt and joyful take on a good old dysfunctional family.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 24, 2021