Fun little animated adventure

Rating: Null/10 (11 January 2019)

Rio is the story of Blu, a very rare blue macaw, who has ended up as the pet of a Minnesotan bookstore owner. Events transpire to take him all the way to Rio de Janeiro to meet the last remaining female of his species. Hijinks ensue due to a pair of animal traffickers.
Blue Sky Studios is most well-known for its Ice Age films, which are definitely funny, but have their fair share of cringy moments as well. Thus, I was pleasantly surprised by this film. It's not very deep, nor will it make you challenge your views of the world or to grow as a person - like something from Disney or Pixar might do - but it is a solid animation movie for the whole family.
The characters are likable, for one. They're pretty one-note in certain respects, but their voice actors are talented and they're given enough interesting things to say and do that you care about what happens to them. I also like that there's some actual character growth. And in a way that feels both natural and earned.
It's also a very colourful film. Fitting, keeping in mind the Brazilian setting. All the different birds look suitably lifelike and I do admire the fact that they've kept the sizes lifelike as well. There are certain birds that are teeny tiny and there are some that are huge. As it should be.
Is it great entertainment? No, not really. But it is all-around likable. Very well worth a watch, especially if you've liked the other films from this studio.