MAGICAL HOUSE. MAGICAL FAMILY.
15-year-old Mirabel is the only member of her family (who all live in a sentient house) not to have magical powers. Colombian culture was the primary inspiration for the look and style of this enjoyable film that shines a light on refugees as part of the Madrigal’s background… but most of it is a traditional Disney story about family, magic and finding your inner self, all set to the tune of an uneven bunch of Lin-Manuel Miranda songs. A lot in the film is familiar, but still disarming entertainment on the whole, creatively and colorfully rendered, and with a likable lead character.
2021-U.S. Animated. 102 min. Color. Directed by Jared Bush, Byron Howard. Songs: Lin-Manuel Miranda (”Dos Oruguitas”, ”We Don’t Talk About Bruno”). Voices of Stephanie Beatriz (Mirabel Madrigal), María Cecilia Botero (Alma Madrigal), John Leguizamo (Bruno Madrigal), Mauro Castillo, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda.
Trivia: Miranda also contributed to the story.
Oscar: Best Animated Feature. Golden Globe: Best Animated Motion Picture. BAFTA: Best Animated Film.
