Vivo Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kinkajou and an emo kid ditch school to deliver a love song to a famous singer, battling girl scouts and a giant snake along the way; basically, a furry’s fever dream.

🍿 Vivo: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Life in Havana and a Fateful Letter

Vivo, a one-of-a-kind kinkajou, enjoys a vibrant life performing music in Havana’s lively square alongside his beloved owner, Andrés. Despite their language barrier, their shared passion for music creates an unbreakable bond. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when Andrés receives a letter from Marta Sandoval, a famous singer and his former musical partner, inviting him to her farewell concert in Miami.

A Tragic Loss and a Determined Mission

Andrés’ excitement is short-lived, as he tragically passes away the very next morning. Overcome with grief and regret for his initial reluctance to help Andrés, Vivo vows to deliver the love song Andrés wrote for Marta, fulfilling his owner’s unspoken wish. This sets Vivo on a journey from Cuba to Miami.

An Unlikely Partnership with Gabi

Vivo’s mission takes an unexpected turn when he meets Gabi, an energetic and unconventional tween living in Key West with her mother, Rosa. Seeking an escape, Vivo hitches a ride in Rosa’s luggage on their way back home. Gabi agrees to help Vivo reach Marta, setting the stage for a unique and heartwarming adventure through the Florida Everglades and beyond.

Everglades Adventure and a Lost Song

The journey is far from smooth, as the duo faces numerous challenges. They evade determined Sand Dollar scouts, encounter a lovesick spoonbill, Dancarino, and face the dangers of the Everglades, including a menacing Burmese python. During these perilous adventures the song they were intending to give to Marta is destroyed.

Recreating a Song and Reaching Marta

Although the song they were intending to give to Marta is destroyed, their adventure helps them to develop a deep connection. Despite the loss of the song, their resolve is unbroken. Remembering the lyrics and melody, Vivo and Gabi recreate the song. Reaching Marta and delivering the message becomes their united focus, leading them to Miami and Marta’s farewell concert.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Vivo (Lin-Manuel Miranda): A musically gifted kinkajou who embarks on a journey to deliver a love song to his owner’s long-lost love.
• Gabi (Ynairaly Simo): An energetic and unconventional tween who helps Vivo on his quest to deliver the song.
• Andrés (Juan de Marcos González): Vivo’s beloved owner and a talented musician who wrote a song to express his love.
• Marta Sandoval (Gloria Estefan): A famous singer and Andrés’ former musical partner, who receives the heartfelt song.
• Rosa (Zoe Saldaña): Gabi’s mother, who initially disapproves of Gabi’s adventurous spirit but ultimately supports her daughter’s journey.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gabi: “I bounce to the beat of my own drum. I’m a wow in a world full of ho-hum.” – Gabi’s introduction song describes her unique personality and her rejection of conformity.
• Vivo: “It’s my song. I have to deliver it.” – Vivo expresses his determination to fulfill Andrés’s wish, even in the face of challenges.
• Marta Sandoval: “Music is a gift. Never take it for granted.” – Marta’s advice to Vivo emphasizes the importance and power of music in connecting people.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50,000,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $278,381

💥 Vivo Reviews

Personal Review

I really wanted to love ‘Vivo’ more than I did. The music by Lin-Manuel Miranda is catchy and fun, and the animation is beautiful. But the story felt a little predictable, and Gabi’s character, while energetic, sometimes grated on me. I did tear up at the end when Marta sang the song, though. It’s a sweet movie, but not one I’ll be rewatching constantly. The colors are amazing!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families with young children”
  • “Fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music”
  • “Viewers who enjoy animated musicals”
  • “Those looking for a heartwarming and adventurous story”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief depictions of loss and grief”
  • “Some scenes with peril and suspense”
  • “Mild cartoon violence”

Professional Reviews

• Common Sense Media: “Vivo is visually appealing and has a toe-tapping soundtrack, but the story is predictable and the characters, while charming, lack depth. It’s a good choice for family viewing, but don’t expect groundbreaking animation or storytelling.
• The New York Times: “While Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music gives ‘Vivo’ its personality, the film’s conventional style doesn’t quite match the studio’s more innovative works. It’s a pleasant but forgettable journey with a sweet message about love and loss.
• RogerEbert.com: “The film’s vibrant animation and catchy tunes can’t fully compensate for a somewhat thin plot. The characters are likeable, but the narrative lacks the emotional complexity to truly resonate. It’s entertaining, but not particularly memorable.

Audience Reactions

The music was the best part, especially anything sung by Lin-Manuel Miranda.: Most people enjoyed the soundtrack and found the animation visually appealing.

My kids loved it, but I found it a little repetitive and predictable.: Many parents found the movie enjoyable for young children, but less engaging for adults.

Overall Consensus: ‘Vivo’ is a visually appealing animated musical with catchy songs, but the predictable story and somewhat underdeveloped characters prevent it from being a truly memorable experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Originally, ‘Vivo’ was developed as a DreamWorks Animation project before being acquired by Sony Pictures Animation in 2016.”
• “Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the original songs for the film, bringing his signature blend of Latin rhythms and hip-hop influences to the soundtrack.”
• “The film features vibrant depictions of Havana, Cuba, and Miami, Florida, showcasing the rich culture and music of these locations.”

🖥️ How to Watch Vivo?

Vivo is currently available to stream on Netflix. Check local listings for any potential theatrical showings or special event screenings. As a Netflix original, it’s unlikely to be found on other streaming platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV. Digital rentals or purchases may become available through platforms like Google Play Movies or Vudu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Vivo, you might like these similar films:

• Coco (2017): Both films explore themes of music, family, and cultural heritage within a Latin American context.
• Encanto (2021): Features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and explores family dynamics and cultural identity through music.
• The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021): Shares a similar vibrant animation style and quirky humor, appealing to a broad audience.

🛒 Vivo Related Products

• Vivo [Blu-ray]: Own the musical adventure on Blu-ray for a high-definition viewing experience with special features and behind-the-scenes content.
• Vivo: The Junior Novelization: Relive the heartwarming story with this junior novelization, perfect for young readers who want to dive deeper into Vivo’s adventure.
• Lin-Manuel Miranda Sheet Music Collection: Play your favorite songs from Vivo and other Lin-Manuel Miranda hits with this sheet music collection, allowing you to bring the music to life.
• Sony Pictures Animation Kids’ Favorites (DVD): Enjoy this collection of animated shorts and features from Sony Pictures Animation, featuring Vivo and other beloved characters.

🎧 Soundtrack

Vivo features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “One Of A Kind” – performed by Juan de Marcos González and Lin-Manuel Miranda
• “Mambo Cabana” – performed by Lin-Manuel Miranda
• “Keep the Beat” – performed by Ynairaly Simo, Lin-Manuel Miranda
• “Inside Your Heart” – performed by Gloria Estefan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Vivo | My Own Drum Storyboard and Final Frame Side by Side | Sony Animation

Ever wondered how animated movies are made? Check out this cool comparison of the ‘My Own Drum’ scene from Vivo – seeing the storyboards next to the final animation is seriously mind-blowing!

Vivo is an EXHAUSTING movie

Thinking about watching Vivo but unsure if it’s worth your time? This review dives deep into everything good (and not-so-good) about the movie. I personally found it super helpful in understanding the film’s overall impact!

✨ Rate