Grade: 3.5/5.0

Disney’s latest computer-animated film is the delightful “Encanto,” a fantastical and charming story about family and individuality. Although not the most well-rounded Disney animated film, “Encanto” excellently navigates one of the studio’s most complex and action-packed stories — and not-so-subtly boasts one of the best Disney soundtracks in years thanks to the musical talents of Lin-Manuel Miranda. Consistently entertaining, “Encanto” is easily one of the most enjoyable 100 minutes of cinema this November.

The film takes place in a fictional village in the mountains of Colombia, a charmed place called the Encanto. Here, the magic of the Encanto bestows a unique magical gift to every child of the Madrigal family, the founders and protectors of the Encanto. Every child, that is, except for Mirabel Madrigal (Stephanie Beatriz), a bright and charismatic young woman who tries her best to stay positive as the only “ordinary” member of an otherwise extraordinary family. However, when the magic of the Encanto comes under threat, Mirabel discovers that she may just be the one who can bring her family together and save their miracle.

“Encanto” is stuffed to the brim with its quick-moving story, the majority of which is highly captivating and well-paced. The film doesn’t give audiences a chance to get bored; viewers are always busy admiring the beauty of the latest scene, enjoying one of the film’s several incredibly catchy songs or following the determined Mirabel on a new lead to identify and fix whatever is challenging the Madrigals’ magic. It is easy to become absorbed in the attractive, inviting world of the Encanto, where something colorful and mystical is always happening. With such a fun and fast-moving plot, it is almost impossible to lose engagement with the film — though this immersion is occasionally interrupted when the film crams too much plot into too few minutes.

At times — disappointingly, mostly at the climax and resolution — the film feels too rushed. There are a couple points of clunky exposition dumping with too little explanation to answer viewers’ questions about the magical world’s logistics, but even more egregious are moments where characters turn over new emotional leaves without believable time or reason for doing so. The story in “Encanto” is one that warrants and deserves a neat, happy conclusion — it just leaves viewers wishing it had more time to find it.

That said, when the story stumbles, visuals keep moving forward at full speed. Seldom do audiences see a world as quirky and pretty as that of “Encanto.” Each Madrigal family member has their own magical room that opens up to a unique world — on theme with their power, of course — that allows for exploration of new, fascinating territory from beginning to end. The Madrigals’ magical house “casita” shifts to help its residents complete their daily tasks, and the film adorably brings life to a familiarly inanimate object.

The writing in “Encanto” is similarly proficient. The film’s comedy, found largely in thoughtfully crafted dialogue, is natural, effortless and reflective of the humor in large family dynamics. Though “Encanto” juggles a large array of characters, it manages to spend enough time with each for audiences to remember and connect with them. Each Madrigal has a distinct personality and all are memorable — a commendable accomplishment for a film with so many characters.

The greatest of the film’s successes, however, has got to be its music. Feeling more like a musical than other Disney films, with significant use of canon and impressive lyricism, “Encanto” was obviously graced by the touch of the greatly talented Miranda. “Surface Pressure,” in particular, is catchy enough to be listened to time and time again long after watching the movie.

Despite a few minor flaws, “Encanto” succeeds as a strong addition to Disney’s repertoire — and the most original and musically exciting one in a while. Without a single dull second, this riveting family movie is bound to be fun for all.