It is a Wonderful World in ENCANTO

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Disney+ from directors Jared Bush, Byron Howard and Charise Castro Smith is the lovely family story set in ENCANTO.

Abuela Alma (Maria Cecilia Botero) begins with the story of how their family casita was created by magic and each of her three received the gift of a special power. The tradition continued to Abuela Alma’s grandchildren. Well, almost all as granddaughter Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) is known by to have been skipped in getting a gift.

Fifty years later, Antonio (Ravi Cabot-Conyers) will be given his gift and Mirabel supports her little cousin in every way. Trying to control her disappointment, something angry has come to Encanto. The house starts to crack and trying to explain it to Abuela Alma became difficult when they all come to look, and nothing is wrong. Mirabela discovers that she is right but needs to find out what is truly happening with the magic.

Asking Luisa (Jessica Darrow), Mirabel learns she must go to a place that the magic can not help her. Joining her in the dark caves is Cousin Antonio’s feathered friend. She also finds out that no one wants to talk about Bruno (John Leguizamo) and sister Isabel (Diane Guerrero) warns Mirabel to stop. Ruining Isabel’s proposal by Mariano (Maluma) just adds to the trouble Mirabel finds herself in.

When Mirabel discovers what is really happening with Bruno, she asks for his help only to discover that what will fix the casita is not as simple as it should be. It is time for the truths to be told and the faith to be restored when it comes to family.

Beatriz as Mirabel is a young girl dealing with the fact that she was, for some reason, not given the same gifts as the rest of her family. She is a loving, sweet and positive person until the night she sees what might happen to the casita. Beatriz gives her animated character a bravery and strength she will need to understand where she comes from and what is possible.

Botero as Abuela Alma is the matriarch of a family that continues to grow. With each celebration she sets up celebrations and leads the best she can. The problem is, she has forgotten that her family loves her but need to understand where the family started. Cabot-Conyers as Antonio just loves his cousin Mirabel and would do anything for her, he is such a good soul in a very young body.

Darrow as Luisa has always gone along to get along but has her own issues that Mirabel did not realize was inside her. Always relying on her physical strength, Luisa forgets that she has spiritual strength as well. Guerrero as Isabel is seen as the ‘good girl’ of the family and is planning to get married. As Mirabel comes to know, being the good girl and always doing what she is told is the thing that weights her lovely sister down.

Other cast include Rose Portillo as Senora Guzman, Adassa as Dolores, Mauro Castillo as Felix, Angie Cepeda as Julieta, Wilmer Valderrama as Agustin, Rhenzy Feliz as Camilo, Noemi Flores as Young Mirabel, Juan Castano as Osvaldo, Sarah-Nicole Robles as Senora Ozman and Hector Elias as Old Arturo.

Disney+ is the subscription home streaming entertainment with Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. There are exclusive originals with new feature films, shows, short form content, documentaries, and actions series such as THE MANDALORIAN. For more information, please visit www.disneyplus.com.

ENCANTO is a very colorful and animated film about the generational story of family. Once Abuela Alma is given the gift of magic and a safe place to live, the family grows by leaps and bounds with the magic still all around them. They take their celebrations seriously but, as families tend to do, hide the things that make them uncomfortable like the story of Uncle Bruno!

Mirabel is a young girl who is seen as ‘the girl with no gift’ and she tries to deal with that in the most positive way possible. When the house begins to tell her things no one else can see, she becomes the casita super-sleuth to discover so much about her family. Learning to accept herself, those around her, understanding her place in it all and the history becomes the beginning of an even more beautiful life!

In the end – it is a magical house with a magical family!

 

ONWARD is Brilliant, Heartwarming and Hilarious

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Dan Scanlon, Pixar and Disney comes the story of family and the fight to always move ONWARD.

Ian Lightfoot (Tom Holland) is turning 16 and older brother Barley (Chris Pratt) and Mom Laurel (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) aren’t about to let him forget it. Trying to find ways to make the day fun, what they don’t know is that all Ian really wants is his Dad, Wilden, who passed years earlier.

You see, Ian is more the quiet and shy of the two elf brothers whereas Barley is outgoing and loves to play a game that is based on the folklore of their unusual town. Trying to be more outgoing, Ian decides to ask some of his classmates over for cake to celebrate his birthday, but Barley has other ideas.

To cheer Ian up a little, Mom gives her sons a gift left to them by their father. It is a staff and instructions on how to bring Dad back for 24 hours. Barley tries and tries but can not seem to make it happen. When Ian is alone, he picks up the staff and it takes no time for magic to happen. Barley walks in and sees what is happening and realizes baby bro has the magic calling.

He explains that once all of the people of their town had abilities and magic of some kind, but they forgot it all after time. Ian tries again to bring their Dad back with only half of the result they expected when the crystal breaks. Barley explains that they must go on a quest to find another stone and gets Ian to jump inside the van he lovingly calls Guinevere.

There first stop is to find the Manticore (Octavia Spencer) who has a map they need. Not to far behind them is Laurel who believes her sons are in danger and asks boyfriend Officer Bronco (Mel Rodriguez) to join the search. But nothing is going to stop Barley from getting Ian to the gem that will help Ian get his birthday wish.

Holland as Ian is such a sweet young man who believes that a moment with the Dad he didn’t get a chance to know would mean everything to him. It would also be a chance to see what everyone else seemed to know, that his Dad was a good man. Lending his voice, Holland is endearing in his insecurity and has moments of boldness that make you want to cheer.

Pratt as Barley is the fun loving, not afraid of anything and smarter than he knows older brother. He adores Ian and always wants him to be happy and will do anything to make that happen. Seeing that Ian sometimes needs a boost, Barley is there and has answers that might not always seem right but turn out just the same. I love Pratt’s voice in Barley!

Louis-Dreyfus as Mom Laurel is keeping their family together and loves her boys. I’d like to think she secretly hoped to see her husband as much as the boys wanted to see their Dad. I give her points for moving on with her life in the form of Colt Bronco voiced by Mel Rodriguez.

Spencer as The Manticore is hilarious in the way her life has gone from a warrior to serving chicken wings. Given the chance to be useful once again in the warrior she was born to be, I like the change (minus the caffeine of course) and loads of moxy. Shout out to Grey Griffin as Dewdrop, the leader of the Pixie’s because she is tough, doesn’t take any guff and I’d fly with her anytime, if I could. Prepare to giggle a lot with the flying group of pixies!

Other cast include Ali Wong as Officer Gore, Tracey Ullman as Grecklin, Lena Waithe as Officer Spector, Wilmer Valderrama as Gaxton, George Psarras as Officer Avel, Kyle Bornheimer as Wilden Lightfoot and John Ratzenberger as the Construction Worker.

ONWARD is a triumph for Pixar and Disney for its amazing story, fantastic animation and cast that lends itself to every heartwarming, fun and silly moment. Holland and Pratt embrace their characters as brothers’, and it shows through their voices. Yes it is animated but their voices just give their characters such life and emotion.

Recently on Kimmel, Pratt says, “What is so moving to me is that director Dan Scanlon went through this same storyline with his own brother. This is a love letter to his older brother, and it chokes me up to think about it. Just like UP and any of the other Pixar movies, it is full of action, love and very emotional”.

He is absolutely right as ONWARD is not just a journey of two elf brothers on a quest in a boss van called Guinevere, it is a story of what they learn about each other. Their bond as brothers is questioned, yelled about, misunderstood and a reason for celebration. It is the story of big brother versus little brother, about family memories, the sadness of losing a parent, the insecurities of just being a teenager and discovering that their world is bigger than they could ever have imagined.

There are silly moments, fun characters and a dog-dragon that I would love to have running around my house! Pixar has once again brought characters that are going to stay with us because, no matter how pointy their ears or blue their hair – they are us when it comes to family and the story’s we all share.

I’m keeping this as spoiler free as possible because this is going to be such a joy for family’s that I want everyone to experience it all. For me and my family…. you had us at ONWARD.

In the end – the quest is bigger than either of them can imagine!

SHOUT! Factory Kids Delights with PRINCESS EMMY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from SHOUT! FACTORY Kids and director Piet De Rycker is the animated tale of a girl and her horse also known as PRINCESS EMMY.

Once a Princess named Carlotta after an accident, awoke to find she had the ability to talk to horses. Writing it all down in a book, the Princess also gave a warning that what she has written in a book was not to ever leave the castle.

Princess Emmy (Ruby Barnhill) rides her friend Caesar (Joel Fry) and all her horse friends. Laughing and talking together, they play games and enjoy each other's company. What Princess Emmy doesn't know is that a parchment written by Princess Carlotta has been taken to the wind. It has found its way back into Emmy's hands and strange things begin to happen.

A door opens leading her to a chamber where Princess Carlotta announces that she will be put to the test. Putting the parchment back in the book, a map reveals where she needs to go. Brother Moritz (Euan Mitchell) teases and parents are excited about the Princess Day Ball and Emmy loves the dress she will be wearing.

Emmy is excited but also nervous that she must pass another test as if she isn't busy enough. Running out of the castle, Princess Emmy gathers Caesar and the rest of the horses to follow the map. The path up the mountain brings them to a beautiful spot of waterfalls and a tower that asks her the question, 'are you worthy of the gift?'.

Cesar reminds Emmy that she must return home and what's waiting for her there is her cousin Princess Gizana (Bella Ramsey). Clearly the two don't get along and Princess Emmy talks with friend David (Nathan Mack) that passing any test might be harder than she thought.

Princess Emmy must take care of the precious book without Gizana finding out what is happening, making time for princess training and discovering the secrets of the castle and all while spending time with her four footed friends.

It's the life of a very special Princess!

Other cast include Vari Sylvester as Marie, James Pearson as Donny, Steven McNicholl as Vincenzo Massimo Cerimonata, Tim McInnerny as Robert Jack as Sebastian April, Michael Daviot as Xaver, Gregorius the Ghost, Al Hawkinson as Paul, Clare Waugh as Fionnuala Bloom, Gabriel Quigley as Frau Zwickelmeier, John Hannah as King Karl and Franka Potente as Queen Karla.

SHOUT! Factory has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty And The Beast. Also their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT Factor has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

PRINCESS EMMY is produced by Studio 100 Media (Germany) and co-produced with Talking Horse (UK) and Witebox (Belgium).

PRINCESS EMMY is a delightful story with themes of a young girl discovering what she is truly capable of. Yes, she might be a Princess but she is actually more of a young girl finding her place in her world of horses and family. Of course in the story is also family not getting along so much but they will find their way as family often does.

The film is colorful, fun, full of magic, a little chaos and secrets that waited a long time to find its way to the right person. Watching it with my granddaughter we laughed, were very surprised and loved the way the story was told. That's what is important to me, being able to watch a film with my family and both of us enjoying it so very much.

In the end - it is all about her secret gift!

THE HOUSE WITH THE CLOCK IN ITS WALLS is Family Fun!

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Eli Roth and DreamWorks comes a magical and mystical tale about THE HOUSE WITH THE CLOCK IN ITS WALLS.

Young Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) is still grieving over the loss of his parents when finding himself on a bus to Michigan. There he is met by his Uncle Jonathan (Jack Black) who Lewis realizes quickly is quite quirky. Arriving at his new home, he also meets his Uncle’s friend and neighbor Mrs. Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett).

Immediately Uncle Jonathan tries to make Lewis feel at home with an amazing room of his own and free reign with only one rule – in the library is a locked bookcase and it is to be left alone. Lewis begins his first day of school as well finding himself on the outside until Tarby Corrigan (Sunny Suljic) befriends him.

At home, Lewis suspects there is something different about his Uncle’s house and learns why from Mrs. Zimmerman. Isaac Izard (Kyle MacLachlan) was once a magical partner with Uncle Jonathan but after coming home from war – he returned a very changed man. Marrying Selena (Renee Goldsberry), the two created a clock that will count down to doomsday.

Lewis notices that Tarby isn’t as friendly anymore and tries to find a way to keep their friendship. Inviting him back to Uncle Jonathan’s, Tarby sees the cabinet and even with Lewis begging him to not open it, what happens next is even worse. The boys take the book to the local cemetery and Lewis tries to wow Tarby with what he can do.

Instead, Lewis releases something that is part of the strange happenings around Uncle Jonathan’s house. As the walls tick, Lewis, Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman must use all their powers to locate the clock before evil does!

Black as Jonathan Barnavelt is quirky, funny, strange, animated and everything we have come to know expect from him. This is definitely the type of character he is not only good at portraying but makes it fun. Black was in last years film JUMANJI: Welcome to the Jungle and we can expect to see him again next year for a sequel.

Blanchett as Mrs. Zimmerman is just stunning to look at in her beautiful costuming and equally as stellar to watch. What I have come to love most about her performances is that she always has a look in her eye that says, “I know something you don’t”. In this film she bounces off Jack Black’s character in a game of table tennis that is just pure enjoyable to watch.

Vaccaro as Lewis is a young man trying to find his place after losing his parents. Being reserved, he is definetly different than his Uncle Jonathan. The thing is that although they may be different to begin with, they also discover that they are not so different after all. His performance is that of a young boy trying to fit in only to discover that being himself can be quite enjoyable. Suljic as Corrigan is a boy who uses a sad young man and when done – throws him back to the wolves. The thing is – the Lewis wolf came back leader of the pack!

MacLachlan as Izard is so much fun to watch, mainly because I am a fan of MacLachlan no matter what he does. Here he gets the chance to have a little fun while being a little maniacal at the same time and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Goldsberry as Selena stands by her man, even when he’s a tad gooey and I give her props for that.

Other cast include Colleen Camp as Mrs. Hanchett, Lorenza Izzo as Mom, Braxton Bierken as Woody, De’Jon Watts as Clark, Christian Calloway as Azazel and Vanessa Anne Williams as Rose.

THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS is definetly a family fun film. Of course I’m not sure I’d recommend it for smaller children as there are a few creature that might scare them so lets say six years plus to be on the safe side. There are jumps and spooky elements mixed in a story line of family and new friendships.

The special effects are amazing and I want to know where I can find a cute chair like the one in Uncle Jonathan’s house. Every effect has it’s place and is done so colorfully well that I was captivated through the entire film. I wouldn’t even mind having a lion topiary!

It is the cast of Black, Blanchett and Vacarro that make the film with the added dash of MacLachlan. They play off each other with comedy and affection which is what can be the cherry on the cake of any film.

In the end – this house knows what makes you tick!