Vivo

9/10

Vivo out on Netflix is about the titular kinkajou (voiced by Hamilton's Lin Manuel-Miranda) who travels from Cuba to Florida on an important mission to deliver a letter. (I know that synopsis is a little vague, but the trailer is also keeping certain things vague, and I don't want to spoil any particular parts of emotional impact.)

This tries to copy the Pixar formula, and I mean that as a compliment. Okay, this doesn't have quite the writing strength or ingenuity of Pixar, but it comes so much closer than most other film studios when it comes to echoing the style, and probably comes the closest to recreating the emotional gut punch that the is known for such Pixar films as Up. The story the creators up with for this is a truly unique and touching one. 

I've seen complaints that the middle is your basic odd couple/road trip children's film. Personally, I'm not hating it. Yeah, it's the type, but I think it's a pretty well done road trip that's boosted with a good sense of humor and adventure and a fun cast. Plus, it's surprisingly well paced; there was one part particular scene that didn't wow me, but that was quickly over and on to the next thing.

I got to admit that Vivo is overshadowed in his own film. The scene-stealer here is Gabi (Ynairaly Simo), the young girl who accompanies Vivo on his quest. She's a wild child and fills the screen with her enthusiasm and jokes, plus she also has some pretty emotional underpinnings behind what she does and her relationships. We also get an amusing trio of girl scouts, each having distinct personalities, whose goals conflict with Gabi and Vivo's. The lead scout Becky is voiced by Scandal's Katie Lowes, while all the other child characters are voiced by kids. Odd choice, and it kind of sticks out.   

This may not have a Pixar or Disney level budget, but this is a really well designed film. There is an excellent use of vibrant color that brings the world to life. Can't think of any children's films off the top of my head that take place in Florida. This really got the general look. But it's during three of the musical numbers that the movie becomes a real visual delight, just some very creative choices and really well animated.

I rather liked some of the character designs in this are pretty good, but a few seem odd. (There's something about the shape of Gabi's mom's head that seems off.) However, it may be unfair of me; the movie does seem to be making an effort of showing different body types. 

Manuel-Miranda wrote the songs in this as well, and they're all good. Nice variation of styles.

Highly recommended. Again, not quite Pixar or Disney but close. A touching story that is enjoyable for kids and adults.