A great example of why using references is effective and necessary

Rating: 10/10 (23 November 2012)

Having known Blue Sky Studios since the Ice Age Series, I have anticipated that "Rio", directed by Carlos Saldanha, native Brazilian who implements his childhood and real-life experiences while adopting lots of detailed references to bring non-stop squawking birds to life in order to convey an emotional and comical story would not disappoint me.
The plot is simple and intriguing. It is about a domesticated and flightless macaw, Blu raised by Linda who found Blu in the middle of street after being left behind by smugglers tries to stop his species from getting extinguished by mating with the only female of his kind, Jewel while going through all sorts of obstacles. Oh and yes, we get to see a bird that can not fly.
What amazes me is how computer-animated birds move around so naturally by flapping and chirping while behaving like a human being. A great work by voice acting cast. Everyone executes the role really well! For example, the notorious bird, Nizel voiced by Jemaine Clement truly sounded fearful. Of course, it wouldn't be there without the stringent and painstaking job done by talented artists who actually video-tape all types of birds doing various movements and examine them every detail frame by frame thoroughly.
As a graphic artist, I know how challenging it can be to create a realistic and high-poly specimen due to its complexity of set-up for flexible controllers and a wide range of facial expressions. I really admire them for every element. The landscape of Rio de Janeiro (The second largest capital city in Brazil) is spectacular. It makes me feel like I am actually in the city. Fall in love with tropical trees lined up in front of shiny beach and not to mention the imposing statue of Cristo Redentor. All the colorful and magnificent visuals are a proof that computer software has transcended what it couldn't do a few years ago.
The true advantage of Animation is creativity. You can literally do anything using your broad imagination, especially when it comes to a fighting scene. The birds vs monkey battle is one of the epic battles I have ever seen. While jolly and wild monkeys somehow pretends to be Kong Fu experts and tries to scratch and shear feathers, Birds fight back using their sharp beaks to knock them out.
Have to give an extra credit to the music team. They deliver cheerful and harmonious Samba theme songs "Hot Wings" and "Real in Rio" that pump up the atmosphere of the wild city filled with a herd of birds twitching hips and flapping wings.
As this movie unleash an internal conflict of Blu who chooses to leave his long-term friend/owner, Linda to his hometown with Jewel is indeed emotional. Like in any other children movies, happiness always follows after sadness as it seems like Zoologist, Dr.Barbosa and Linda, falls over heel in love with each other. And seeing an orphan boy standing between them in the end, we get a brief idea of Rio 2 that is coming in 2014. I can not wait for the next adventure.