ENCANTO
Genre: Animated Feature
Directors: Jared Bush, Bryan Howard, Charise Castro Smith
Writers: Charise Castro Smith, Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Jason Hand, Nancy Kruse, Lin-Manuel Miranda
Cast: Stephanie Benitez, María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo, Mauro Castillo, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda, Carolina Gaitan
REVIEW:
¡Me encantó Encanto! Maribel, a young Colombian girl faces the agonizing prospect of being the only member of her family without magical powers.
WOW! If this animated feature doesn’t sweep the Oscars in its category, Lady Justice is not only blind, but she’s a stupid, gringa bitch whose body is possessed by the demonic, racist spirit of Senator Kirsten Sinema. Spectacular animation. Great songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Germaine Franco, and a heartfelt, heart-breaking, heart-tugging heartwarming performance by Stephanie Benitez as Mirabel.
Production Company: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Available: In theaters; Disney+
LatinHeat Scale: Four Chili Peppers ????????
LANGUAGE LESSONS
Genre: Film, Dramedy, Amazon Prime Video
Director: Natalie Morales
Writers: Natalie Morales, Mark Duplass
Cast: Natalie Morales, Mark Duplass
REVIEW:
Internet language lessons turn into a thoughtful meditation on a remote interpersonal connection. Adam (Mark Duplass) receives 100 online Spanish lessons from his husband as a surprise gift. Cariño (Natalie Morales) begins her remote language lessons with Adam. The teacher/student relationship begins to change into a friendship as tragic events and personal secrets are revealed and shared.
Language Lessons is a bravura performance in filmmaking by Morales. A fascinating and touching look at human relationships through the lens of the “new normal.” Language Lessons is a high-tech, social media homage to 84 Charing Cross Road which is also about a long-distance “romance” via letters. It’s also a nod to Will & Grace with its sensitive portrayal of a gay man and straight woman developing a friendship. Mackie’s camera prevents what could have turned into a claustrophobic Zoom chat drama into an engaging array of extreme closeups, mid-range shots and mobile outdoor scenes. Good character arcs. Pitch perfect performances by Morales and Duplass.
Production Company: Duplass Brothers Productions
Distributor: Shout! Factory
Available: On digital and demand
LatinHeat Scale: Four Chili Peppers ????????