Vivo

While watching this film, the recently released Encanto came to my mind more than once while listening to the songs, and no wonder, since Lin-Manuel Miranda had a hand in the soundtrack in this case as well. Vivo, like Encanto, problematizes family relationships and relies on friendship and love in various forms rather than different forms of magic. For my taste, the film had a few too many musical numbers (yes, I know it's a musical) and I had a bit of trouble tuning in to the style of music used – I did, however, enjoy the final number. Plot-wise, it's a prosaic and predictable story that, while it has a heart-warming message, doesn't set any high ambitions to surprise the viewer in any way, but it does entertain (especially during the escape to Miami) and moves along quickly. Better three stars! (09.12.2021)