Take me to Rio!

Rating: Null/10 (15 August 2011)

I want to go to Rio de Janeiro! Rio is an exuberant CGI animated 3D film with wonderfully vibrant colors that literally jump off the screen. This is a classic fish out of water story filled with romance, life lessons and a fairly predictable ending. Nevertheless, Rio is a truly enjoyable film and nearly impossible to watch without dancing in your seat. Director Carlos Saldanha incorporates a tremendous amount of the Brazilian culture into the film and realistic landscape; it is very easy to forget this is an animation. In particular, the flight scenes offer spectacular bird's eye views of the exotic Rio de Janeiro setting. Breathtaking scenery filled with rich, warm colors is incredibly detailed and mesmerizing.
Although the themes are familiar, the characters are engaging and lovable. Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) is a domesticated macaw from a small-town who embarks on an adventure in Rio de Janeiro with native, Jewel (Anne Hathaway) to save endangered animals. Credit goes to the writers for providing a sharp, witty dialog and the voice actors for bringing the animated characters to life. In addition to the incredible computer generated visuals, the music adds authentic Brazilian flavor and zest. I love the samba and bossa nova rhythms that pulsate throughout and provide infectious energy. Rio is not billed as a musical but it definitely has that feel and the music is what makes this fast-paced adventure so enjoyable. The Carnival festival explodes on the screen with vigor and verve providing a dazzling display of movement and color set perfectly to music.
Rio does not have the depth of some other animated stories; however, it is pure fun from beginning to end. This movie is a visually stunning escape from everyday life and serves as an animated brochure for a place I hope to visit one day.
Rio. Dir. Carlos Saldanha. Perf. Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway and George Lopez. Blue Sky Studios: 2011, Film.