Vivo (2021)

Vivo is the kind of animated musical that practically hums with life, bursting with tropical color, buoyant comedy, and a sincere heart that never feels manufactured. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs don’t just decorate the story—they propel it, turning the film into a joyful road-trip of rhythms and feelings that’s hard not to tap along with. The animation is bright and expressive, and the characters have that winning, wide-eyed charm that makes the emotional beats land without getting syrupy. If you’re not into musicals, the constant melody might be a lot, but for families and anyone craving a warm, energetic adventure, Vivo delivers a delightful dose of joy.

Vivo is clearly aiming to be a bright, music-first family adventure with big heart, colorful energy, and a “follow your dream” message. The problem is that the story often feels like it’s running on rails—predictable beats, thin plot depth, and pacing that can get a bit jumbled as it bounces from set piece to set piece. If you’re hoping for a Pixar-level emotional punch or characters with real nuance, this may come off as routine and occasionally annoying rather than moving. Still, if you just want a cheerful, easy watch with catchy songs and vibrant animation, it can do the job—just don’t expect it to linger in your memory.