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‘ZOOTOPIA 2’ and the Overwhelming Joy of the Meaningful Family-Friendly Film

“It was so wonderful.” That was my three-year-old daughter’s verdict after watching Zootopia 2, which marked both her first press screening and her first time seeing a movie in a theater. And I have to agree. Even if you remove the film’s actual quality from the equation, the experience itself—sharing one of my greatest joys with my wide-eyed little girl as she gleefully demolished popcorn and a sour apple ICEE—was pure movie magic. Read More

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‘ENCANTO’ A Magical Reckoning With Generational Trauma

After being forced out of their Colombian homeland by political unrest, the Madrigal family is blessed with magical gifts. When they come of age, each member of the family is granted a unique power; Luisa (Jessica Darrow) has the strength of a titan; Isabela (Diane Guerrero) summons flowers to beautify anywhere and everywhere; Julieta (Angie Cepeda) heals physical ailments with her culinary treats; and Bruno (John Leguizamo) sees visions of the future. Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) is the only member of the Madrigal family who was not granted a magical power. The natural consequence of this is that she’s seen as a bit of a familial outsider, especially from the judgmental Abuela Alma (María Cecilia Botero) but her spirits remain high. When the family’s powers unexpectedly flicker and fade, Mirabel takes it upon herself to bring the family together and save the magic before it’s too late. Read More