Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the songs for this kids cartoon and voices the titular lead character (a kinkajou, AKA honey bear, with an angelic voice and Elvis Presley hips). Quiara Alegria Hudes, who worked on the book for In The Heights, co-wrote the screenplay. If you loved In The Heights, or the unrivalled Hamilton, you’re probably wondering if the songs here are hauntingly urgent, relevant and beautiful, or ditties Miranda bashed out because everyone wants a piece of him and he can’t say no. Honestly, the answer’s a bit of both.
A shocking event sends the Havana-dwelling Vivo into the arms of Florida tween Gabi (newcomer Ynairaly Simo). Only by journeying through the Everglades with her can Vivo do right by his mentor, Afro-Caribbean musician Andres (Juan de Marcos Gonzalez) and make Andres’s one-time-sweetheart, Marta (Gloria Estefan), a happy woman.
Miranda’s singing voice is gorgeous. And if one or two (or three) of the songs sound a trifle familiar – and make you want to hum the tune of “Aaron Burr, Sir” – the numbers Miranda’s written for Gabi allow him to try something different. She’s utterly delightful, as are her interactions with a posse of pristine young eco-warriors. The section where these characters battle a despotic swamp snake is both involving and, thanks to “visual consultant” Roger Deakins, a riot of uncanny colours. I could have done without Estefan’s supposed showstopper (Inside Your Heart), but Havana and the Everglades? They’re a must-see - just as Gabi’s pugnacious rap (My Own Drum) is a must-hear.
103mins, cert U
