the tunes grow less exciting in tandem with the visuals; The script, amounts to a good setup and a mild payoff with a vast swath of nothing in between, and the movie struggles from one flat note to the next during its filler of a second act
the eye-popping gloss of Vivo will probably lure in impressive numbers for Netflix (the animation itself is generic but impressive) but in a genre that promises so much magic, the spell cast by Miranda and co is a brief one
more family-friendly than for-all-ages-friendly — but lively work from the thriving Sony Animation makes this energetic Lin-Manuel Miranda musical mostly worth your time
catchy genre-hopping tunes from Lin-Manuel Miranda fuel this tender animated hug to Cuba, old flames, music and cultural traditions; "Vivo" is one of the year's most nimble animated features with two characters that will steal your heart
a colorful, sweet musical with catchy songs, vibrant animation, and a funny adventure that will remind audiences to appreciate supportive parents, loyal friends, and the ability to tell people you love them while you still have the chance
"Vivo" is strategically contrived to hit audiences' pleasure spots, blending a grown-up-friendly story of a Latin-music couple whose careers took them in separate directions with all the hyper-caffeinated comedy action the kiddos expect from the medium
"Vivo" is a sweet if slight love story built around an inordinately resourceful kinkajou; Lin-Manuel Miranda's songs elevate a small-boned effort -- call it cute, without that being pejorative -- with an unabashedly romantic streak
"Vivo" is a gorgeous, candy-colored visual feast; through it all, the Latino-influenced ballads, dance numbers and hip-hop numbers infuse the story with great life, and how can anybody possibly resist Lin-Manuel Miranda as a kinkajou with a tiny hat?
by Benjamin Lee [The Guardian ]
by Randy Myers [San Jose Mercury News ]
by Richard Roeper [Chicago Sun-Times ]
