Encanto

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⭐ 9.0/10

(Originally written by KathleenQ)

I haven't been making time for WeView, but I had to jump on to write a quick review of Encanto to boost the overall score and point out where everyone else is wrong. It is extremely powerful emotionally (JOE), the music is incredibly catchy, and the characters are lovable and memorable. I actually loved Stephanie Beatriz' vocal performance... she might not sound like a Broadway performer, but she brings a unique and whimsical charm I never would have expected. And of course it's visually beautiful.

The complex and delicate way it handles intergenerational trauma... the focus on family relationships, including generally unexplored ones like uncle/niece, cousins, grandparents... the gut-punch of Luisa's burden as the oldest sister with relentless responsibility... Lin-Manuel's lyrical and musical genius... The insane catchiness of We Don't Talk About Bruno... Brilliant. It's fantastic. (It helps that Lydia is absolutely obsessed with it.)

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