disappointment media
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • The Snake Hole
  • About

VIVO -- A Lively Animated Musical with Songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda

7/29/2021

0 Comments

 
Review by Sean Boelman
Picture
(L-R) JUAN DE MARCOS GONZÁLEZ as “Andres” and LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA as "Vivo". Credit: ©2021 SPAI. All Rights Reserved.
2021 truly is the year of Lin-Manuel Miranda, as the cinematic adaptation of his Broadway musical In the Heights was released to great acclaim, and that is only his first of four projects coming out this year. Next on the slate is Vivo, an animated musical from Sony Pictures Animation, and while it can be a bit too conventional at times, it’s an altogether charming family film.

The movie follows a musically talented kinkajou (also known as a “honey bear”) who travels from Cuba to Miami to deliver a love song to the love of his owner’s life. First and foremost, this is a love letter to Cuban musicians, and the level of respect that the film has for this culture is absolutely exceptional.

Miranda’s eponymous tropical mammal is a surprisingly wonderful protagonist. Feeling like much more than an attempt to sell stuffed toys (although don’t be surprised to see honey bear plushies popping up on store shelves regardless), the movie gives the character a very compelling and emotional arc while, of course, doubling down on the adorable factor.

Miranda’s performance in the leading role is just as strong as one would expect given his past body of work. However, it is the supporting cast that steals the spotlight. Newcomer Ynairaly Simo threatens to steal Miranda’s thunder on more than one occasion, and there is an absolutely show-stopping turn from Gloria Estefan.
Picture
The opening musical number is absolutely spectacular, offering some of the most magical moments that any kids’ movie has had in a very long time. Unfortunately, the remaining hour of the film isn’t as breathtaking, as it’s a pretty by-the-numbers (albeit infectiously energetic) animated adventure.

It will not be surprising to viewers that the soundtrack is full of Miranda’s usual Latin and hip-hop-inspired songs, and they’re definitely very catchy. However, there is no denying that a lot of Miranda’s work is starting to sound similar to each other, and especially in a year where he is putting out so much content, he’s going to need to start messing with the formula a bit.

There is a lot of visual energy in the animation, and that will help keep audiences — especially younger ones — invested in the story, even during its more generic portions. There are a few musical sequences that are right on the edge of going overboard, but for the most part, it’s all good fun.

Vivo is definitely a very good animated movie to check out with the family this Spring. Although the film borrows a lot from stories we already know, strong execution all-around makes this extremely enjoyable.

Vivo hits Netflix on August 6.

Rating: 4/5
               
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019

    Authors

    All
    Adam Donato
    Alan French
    Allison Brown
    Borja Izuzquiz
    Camden Ferrell
    Cole Groth
    Daniel Lima
    Dan Skip Allen
    Erin M. Brady
    Jonathan Berk
    Joseph Fayed
    Josh Batchelder
    Paris Jade
    Rafael Motamayor
    Sarah Williams
    Sean Boelman
    Tatiana Miranda

disappointment media

Dedicated to unique and diverse perspectives on cinema!
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • The Snake Hole
  • About