An older animated film, Rio is one of those all about facing a fear while also having to do something you’ve never had to do before – a rescue mission!
Rio (2011) Film Review
Life in Minnesota is good for Blu (voiced by Jesse Eisenberg). At least this is true ever since, as a small bird, he was taken out of his native Rio and serendipitously fell off a delivery truck. This is how Linda (voiced by Leslie Mann) discovers him, and together, they pair grow up in a comfortably safe routine. Things change when Linda and Blu are convinced to travel to Rio to save Blu’s species.
Once there, Blu becomes a runaway from nefarious people looking for exotic birds, and he meets the independent Jewel (voiced by Anne Hathaway).
FILM REVIEW | ‘TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES’: THE FUN ACTION PICTURE NOT EASY TO TAKE SERIOUSLY
‘RIO’: A BRIGHT RESCUE MISSION WITH FRIENDS! #MOVIES #ANIMATEDFILM #ANIMATEDMOVIE #ANIMATION #RIO #ANNEHATHAWAY Click To Tweet
Watching animated movies is, I’ll confess, something I do now and then. This because while I also have many issues with the genre, adult movies are mostly trash. Movies today rarely do what they should, which is to entertain. This film boasts a ton of recognizable talent, and honestly, before going in, I didn’t realize Hathaway was the star. Despite this feeling more like Blu’s story, she gets first credit. Alongside her, you’ll see names like George Lopez or Jamie Foxx as colorful friends they meet. rio/span>
The movie is a sweet message about growing up safe and loved, but also about facing a fear (or two). It’s a nice story with a message that mostly stays on course. Of course, this comes with some villains, too! I like the friendships that look out for each other and Linda’s devotion to Blu’s safety. There’s colorful and upbeat music numbers, and lots of likable characters, too.
All in all, Rio is a fun little tale. One that’s actually better than some of the animated films I’ve seen. It’s pretty fast moving and plays up the clumsy and awkward angle with cute results. It also really leans into the incompetent male angle, which isn’t my favorite by any means; just my two cents on the trope, there IS room for more than one competent in a relationship. Beyond this, it’s pretty fun. I’m sure there’s one or two references to cultural things I missed, however the colors and (to my eye) good animation make this a fun time for any family movie night.
PINTEREST PIN – SAVE & SHARE
Content: nothing I can think of. There is some “frights” with the villains and the challenges everyone faces in trying escape their clutches. People jump out of planes (they’re fine) and the birds made harrowing efforts to escape all with happy end results. There’s an innuendo or two, but nothing awful. The film is PG.
Photos:
One comment