Have You Been Vivo Yet?
Alright; so this will be a movie review/motivational advice type of blog. The reason why I wanted to do both topics was because this movie really is about YOUR LIFE; in theory anyway. I really do love when animation films have animals in them because we always relate to the animal but in human perspective which is also weird when you think about it. Imagine a kinkajou having a crazy nice rhythm that corresponds with you drumming, gets you to stop, then just looks at you as if to say; why’d you stop? Let’s begin.
Vivo, which is the name of the film, which is the name of the protagonist character named Vivo, from Sony Pictures Animation, which also did Into the Spider-Verse, which you guys can read my blog on that film as well(too many plugs in here…not sponsored…yet) is such a fantastic musical yet an animated film with stunning animation and a storyline that will have you in tears like 99% of Pixar movies; no lie. The movie starts off with this cute little monkey and his grandpa or guardian, jamming together in front of a good-sized crowd, giving us a show that even I remember, and want to tip them for it. The intro of the film happens fairly quick though before things turn bad; in my opinion. Spoiler alert; grandpa dies.
So how’s that for the beginning of an animation? Turns out, that scene was the start of an incredible movie that had you on your feet dancing and singing. By the way, shout out to Lin-Manuel Miranda, who does pretty much all the singing, writing and voice of the kinkajou, Vivo. He should do more musicals that are animated; there I said it. Back to the movie.
In this pleasing motion picture, Vivo finds himself staying and eventually living permanently, with a girl and her mom, who actually end up helping each other out throughout the course of the film. They uncover some truths about each other which sequentially aids in returning a song to Andrés’ long time singing partner while working together in doing so. Despite some maddening girl scouts, who I wished had gotten eaten by that serpent, their journey was successful. And they all lived happily ever after; but that’s where I end the film and begin my short yearn for you all.
I don’t want to tell you all the entire film, or what the purpose of the film is, but in a nutshell, here it is: LIVE YOUR LIFE. Life is hard as it is; at least when you get older anyway. But for some, it starts as a child; like Gaby, who lost her father. You could say Vivo, who I believe and suspect was either in his teens, at the time of Andrés’ death, or a young child, lost someone at a young age as well. What good though does dwelling on the past, of someone who passed away or some ignorant people telling you that you’re no good, do to us emotionally or mentally? It diminishes the chances of us being positive in life.
Think about the last time you were happy. If you being happy was a very long time ago, then it’s time to change either the people you hang around with or change your mindset, which would then help to have POSITIVE minded people around you. Great things can happen to you when you think about life being much more than just working and going to bed and partying on the weekends. What about changing someone else’s life? With a hug, or a kiss, or some words of encouragement. That, to me, is being Vivo; alive.