Watch Vivo

Vivo is a charming, uplifting animated movie that premiered on Netflix in 2021. The movie shows the adventures of a musically talented kinkajou, Vivo (voiced by Lin-Manuel Miranda), who embarks on a journey from Havana, Cuba, to Miami to finish the love song he created with his former owner, Andres (Juan de Marcos Gonzalez), for the woman of his dreams, Marta Sandoval (Gloria Estefan).

Vivo is a warm, lovable character who lives for music and uses his street smarts to navigate through the bustling city of Havana. He is joined on his adventure by Gabi (Ynairaly Simo), a fiery and enthusiastic tween who helps Vivo reach his goal of delivering the love song to Marta in Miami. She is a spunky and determined character who is not afraid to speak her mind and who challenges Vivo's more cautious and self-doubting nature.

The movie is a musical, with original songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and it is infused with the rhythms and sounds of Cuba. The music is an integral part of the storyline, as each song represents a new chapter and a new challenge for Vivo and Gabi. The songs themselves are catchy and memorable, with a variety of styles ranging from salsa to rap to ballads, showcasing Miranda's impressive versatility.

The animation is beautiful and playful, transporting the viewer into a world of bright colors and lively characters. The movie also features a strong emphasis on family and the importance of relationships. Vivo's relationship with Andres is particularly touching, and it speaks to the importance of preserving memories and honoring the ones we love.

While Vivo is a children's movie, it also contains deeper themes that adults can appreciate. The movie touches on the power of music to bring people together, the benefits of stepping out of one's comfort zone, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams. The relationship between Vivo and Gabi, in particular, is heartwarming and teaches valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and perseverance.

The voice acting is top-notch, with Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical ability shining through in his performance as Vivo. Ynairaly Simo brings a spunky and charming energy to Gabi, and Zoe Saldana delivers a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Rosa Sandoval, Marta's granddaughter who learns to appreciate the value of Vivo and Andres' love song.

Overall, Vivo is a delightful movie that appeals to all ages. Its infectious music, playful animation, and heartwarming storyline make it a must-see for anyone looking for a feel-good, musical adventure. It is a testament to the power of music and the importance of relationships, packed with valuable life lessons that will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll.

Vivo is a 2021 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 66.