Encanto is a thoroughly charming entry in Disney's long line of animated musical movies. This fable of magical realism continues the studio's recent effort of branching into other cultures -- the protagonist and her family are Colombian -- but, unlike most Disney films, there's no clear villain to defeat ... just a bad situation for the family to overcome.

The movie tells the story of the Madrigal family, beginning when a young married couple, Pedro and Alma, flee a military coup with their triplet babies. Pedro is killed but Alma finds a miracle, an undying candle that fuels the construction of a magical house, or casita, and the gifting of magical abilities to all of her descendants....

Except for a granddaughter, Mirabel, who passes through childhood without ever receiving a gift. Mirabel loves her family and revels in the powers of her mother, sisters, cousins, et al, and she tries not to be bitter about her own lack of magic. Meanwhile, her extended family puts to good use their various gifts of healing, strength, weather control, shapeshifting, talking to animals and more, and the village around them thrives.

However, on the evening that her youngest cousin Antonio receives his gift, Mirabel stumbles on her missing Uncle Bruno's prophecy foretelling the destruction of their magical house and her role in the disaster. Her efforts to uncover the full prophecy and prevent it from happening leads to further problems -- including the breaking of one sister's engagement, the loss of her other sister's might and what seems to be irreparable damage to the house itself.

Can the only Madrigal without magic save her home and family from destruction? Well, it's Disney, so yeah, probably.

The journey is the important element here, and Encanto is a feel-good production with warmth and heart. The protagonist is a likable character nursing a secret pain, who must (as always) rise to the occasion and save the day.

The movie is colorful and fun, with catchy music (thanks, Lin-Manuel Miranda!), exciting choreography and an endearing protagonist whose motivation is not to win a prince's affections or find romance of any sort, but simply to save her kin. The lack of a clear antagonist in Encanto is actually a strength -- sometimes, after all, bad things happen without a villain pulling the strings.

Praise must go to Stephanie Beatriz, the voice actress who imbues Mirabel with life and spirit. She, combined with the animators, makes Mirabel a hero, like Moana before her, who overcomes her fears for the common good, neither relying on men to save her nor diminishing the men around her.

Other notable performances include Jessica Darrow and Diane Guerro as sisters Luisa and Isabela, John Leguizamo as Bruno, Angie Cepeda as Julieta, Ravi Cabot-Conyers as Antonio and Maria Cecilia Botero as Mirabel's grandmother (abuela) Alma.

Encanto couples a strong message with a solid plot and brings them to the screen with vivid, beautifully designed scenes, settings and wardrobes that make the story sing. The house is a wonderful character in its own right, and the surrounding village and countryside come to life through masterful animation.

Disney in recent years has branched out from its Disney princess line, and audiences have benefited from the fresh storylines. Keep 'em coming!