Here’s my Vivo movie review which is now streaming on Netflix and features the voice of Lin Manuel Miranda playing the titular role of the kinkajou Vivo.

The film features a good cast such as Ynairaly Simo, Zoe Saldana, Juan de Marcos González, Michael Rooker, Brian Tyree Henry, Nicole Byer, and Gloria Estefan. It’s also directed by Kirk DeMicco who also directed The Croods.

This musical from Sony Pictures proves that they can actually do musical animated features after all. And to make sure that they come out swinging, they got Miranda to perform most of the songs that appeared in the movie.

Vivo is an ok adventure film / family film but it doesn’t have a really strong set of musical tracks. And I’m also sort of annoyed with all the rapping here. Like I know this is what put Lin-Manuel Miranda on the map but they could have toned it down a bit. We get it, it’s his voice and he stars in the movie.

The plots pretty nice also but it doesn’t have strong moments to resonate with the audience. In this case it’s Vivo trying to fulfill the last wish of his owner Andres (Juan de Marcos Gonzalez). Andres wanted to reconnect with the love of his life Marta (Gloria Estefan) but he dies before setting off the Florida. Then he gets a free ride to Florida when Rosa (Zoe Saldana) and Gabi (Ynairaly Simo) pay a visit to Cuba. Now Gabi and Vivo must team-up to reach Marta in her farewell concert and get her Andres’ song and last message to her.

There’s a nice and empowering song here to expressing Gabi’s individualism. And at least they stuck with that character development till the very end.

Plua there are also a number of trope-is and formulaic stuff here but it’s still a good message for both kids and adults like the bit about saying how you feel to people before it’s too late and about listening to others (i.e the relationship between Rosa and Gabi, the relationship between Gabi and other scouts etc etc).

Also I can’t believe that Gloria Estefan is already 63 and is now playing elderly roles. Like gdamn, I was a kid when she was in the top of the charts and now she’s playing an elderly character.

Would have enjoyed hearing Guardians of the Galaxy alums Zoe Saldana and Michael Rooker react but alas that did not happen.

Vivo movie review – Verdict

7/10

So far it was an ok experience, straightforward storytelling, good visuals, some nice funny bits (that may or may not have been shown via the film’s trailer) and some genuine heart. But it could have been better, it lacked a certain punch to it.

What do you think of Vivo so far? Leave a comment below and follow me on Twitter and Facebook for more geek news and updates.