Kay, thank you for commenting. Some important considerations.

I'll admit I lack significant experience or understanding of the cultural dynamics you mention. We are all products of our culture and in that respect no review can be truly objective (though I strive to be). In this case, even with the cultural issues you describe in mind, I still feel there are significant narrative issues - at least, based on one viewing. Similar cultural concerns are addressed far more coherently and satisfyingly in Pixar's Coco (which I loved).

To be fair, I didn't mention diversity pandering once in my Encanto review either (though I appreciate others have - wrongly in my view, as I didn't feel that criticism applied in this case). I think the beauty of any story ought to be to place yourself in someone else's shoes. Sometimes you identify with them more than others, but the truth is good stories exist across all cultural divides.

Having said all that...

Interesting that you should mention The Princess and the Frog. I've only seen it once (at the cinema during the original run), but I do remember leaving with a sense of disappointment - as though all the right ingredients were present, but it didn't coalesce into a satisfying whole. I'm going to dig out my original review, then I think I'll give it another watch as you've made me curious. Sometimes a film grows on me with repeat viewings. I'll give Encanto another watch at some point, for the same reason, with your comments in mind. :)