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‘Vivo’ Review – A Vibrantly Charged Melodic Experience Full Of Youthful Exuberance

By Dom Fisher
July 31, 2021
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Logline:

From Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation comes VIVO, an animated musical adventure that follows Vivo, a musically gifted kinkajou (aka a rainforest “honey bear”) as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to deliver a song to his cherished owner’s long-lost love.

Being an individual is harder than it seems. Most of us just want to fit in and get along easily with our peers. However, that need to be part of the crowd oftentimes leads to some kind of conformity. We then omit our obscure interests, our fashion taste, our beliefs, our opinions, and even parts of our personality. What’s unfortunate about that is that we just hid the very things that make us who we are. From a potential leader to an instant follower, all just to sit at the cool table. Then oddly enough the people who are brave enough to be themselves get teased and tormented. It pays to be an individual because those same people who teased you and called you names, will one day envy you. Be you, be great.

“What difference can one song make?”

I hope you’re ready to shake your rump and sing along to Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation’s newest hit, Vivo. The Cuban-infused animated musical is a vibrantly charged melodic experience full of youthful exuberance. It’s a film full of heart, catchy and memorable songs, and most importantly, life lessons. Doing the right thing isn’t always easy, friendship takes effort, and sometimes love requires sacrifice are just a few examples of what can be taken away from this love story. Now, this isn’t completely your traditional romantic love story. While what initially floats the story is the realm of familiarity, but at its core, the love is the warmth and deep reverence one friend has for another. Putting the Cuban culture in the forefront, the story introduces us to the sights, sounds, and people of a land rich in pride. It then transports us to the everglades of Florida where they took great care in accurately portraying the terrain and the animals that inhabit it. And finally, to the Emerald City that is Miami. When it comes to music, this friendship-building journey is a spirited mix of old and new rhythms that meld in perfect harmony resulting in a treat for the ears.

From it’s lively first tune to its final velvety alto goodbye, the story pulls at your heartstrings, excites, and encourages you to be you. With animation that rivals that of Pixar, phenomenal voice acting, and well-written original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, it’s easy to fall in love with this film and watch it multiple times. I’ve watched it at least three times myself. It’s a story that is complex enough to enthrall adults yet simple enough for kids to comprehend the emotional weight. I had a great time with Vivo, as did my family and I’m still singing Gabi’s song. It’s definitely a must-see to cap off the summer for the kids. Its rewatchability is high.

VIVO – (Top to Bottom) Lin-Manuel Miranda as Vivo and Juan de Marcos Gonzalez as Andrés. ©2021 SPAI. All Rights Reserved.

VIVO – (L-R) Gloria Estefan as Marta and Juan de Marcos Gonzalez as Andrés. ©2021 SPAI. All Rights Reserved.

Pacing & Pop

The pacing of the film is as rhythmic as the music that lifts it up. What really popped for me was the amazing animation. The colors are punchy and vibrant and you can see a multitude of texture and detail. From the movement of singular hairs to stubble, the work is masterfully done and greatly appreciated.

VIVO – (L-R) Ynairaly Simo as Gabi and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Vivo. ©2021 SPAI. All Rights Reserved.

VIVO – (L-R) Ynairaly Simo as Gabi, Lin-Manuel Miranda as Vivo and Zoe Saldaña as Rosa . ©2021 SPAI. All Rights Reserved.

Characters & Chemistry

This voice casting is perfect. Lin-Manuel Miranda dazzles as usual. As Vivo, he gets to be more playful and expressive than we’ve ever seen him. The rich smooth voice of Juan de Marcos Gonzalez as Andrés lingers in your head. While his lifetime of wisdom guides Vivo. And they sound great together. The newcomer Ynairaly Simo as the young Gabi is full of life, confidence, and creativity. She also has a song you can live your life to. Her mother-daughter relationship with Rosa (Zoe Saldaña) is very organic. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Saldaña portray a mother, but she definitely has the tone for it.

Vivo premieres on Netflix on August 6, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.