Rio 2 – A Musical With a Message – What Goes On in the Amazon Affects Us All!
This sequel to the 2011 movie Rio, takes the loveable Blue Macaws, Blu, Jewel and their three kids on an adventure in the wilds of the Amazon. They are faced with adversity in the form of an overbearing father-in-law but, more importantly, some humans who are cutting down the trees where the Macaws live. “I like the story line which has lots of humor as well as some amazing songs which really enhance the film,” comments KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brianna B, age 14. And critic Jeremy B (age 7) adds, “Another thing I really enjoy is the setting. The Amazon is so colorful and beautiful. The brightly colored birds and butterflies are incredible!” Their full reviews are below.
Rio 2
Reviewed by Brianna Hope B, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
Video review available here.
Cast interviews available here.
Rio 2 is a wonderful animation with great comedy for the entire family. Blu (voiced by Jesse Eisenberg) and Jewel (voiced by Anne Hathaway) are back in Rio 2 with their three children. Their kids really need to learn to live like actual birds so Jewel insists that the family take an adventure to the Amazon where she is from. However on this trip there are some dangers that could lie ahead for them like meeting the revengeful Nigel (voiced by Jemaine Clement) and other things. Will they survive the jungle?
I like that this film is a clear continuation of the first one. It’s just not about Blu and Jewel but it also lets us know more about their family and their roots. I like the story line which has lots of humor as well as some amazing songs which really enhance the film. I love the romance and really love all the dancing in the rain forest. It’s so pretty, especially in 3D. The animation is stunning with lots of bright colors and spectacular attention to detail, especially of the Amazon.
I truly like everything about this film but my favorite part is in the beginning when we hear the first song, “What is Love” by Janelle Monae. This song puts me in an upbeat and happy mood. I knew immediately that this was going to be a great film. My favorite two characters are Pedro (voiced by Will I Am) and Nico (voiced by Jamie Foxx). These two are so hilarious to watch especially when Nico tries on different items he wants as a hat.
Director, Carlos Saldanha, directs a much bigger and better film in Rio 2 with sounds, exciting new songs and great comedy. A message in this film is that “Family is extremely important and you need each other to support each other.”
I recommend this film for ages 6 to 15 and anyone that loved the first Rio. The whole family will definitely enjoy it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars because everything about it is great.
Rio 2 3D
Reviewed by Jeremy B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 7.
Video review available here.
Rio 2 (3D) is an adventurous, exciting and funny animated film. It has a lot of music, dancing and fun! The music director (John Powell) chose fun and festive music that plays throughout the film. Be careful, you might want to get up and dance right along with the characters!
The story line is about Blu (Jesse Eisenberg), his wife Jewel (Anne Hathaway) and their children who travel to the Amazon to find other Blue Macaws who might be family. Once they arrive they find that some bad people are cutting down trees where the Blue Macaws live. They must work together to stop the humans and save the rainforest.
I really enjoyed this film. The 3D animation is incredible! The images pop right off the screen in front of you. I like the new characters added in this film from the first Rio movie, especially Eduardo the father-in-law (Andy Garcia) who is very funny. I also like that some of the old characters reappear such as Nigel (Jemaine Clement), Nico (Jamie Foxx) and Rafael (George Lopez). They bring lots of humor and excitement to this film. Another thing I really enjoy is the setting. The Amazon is so colorful and beautiful. The brightly colored birds and butterflies are incredible! There lots of great parts in this movie but my favorite part is when the Blue Macaws and the Parrots play soccer in the Pit of Doom. It is so crazy and suspenseful!
This film has a couple really good messages. One is that it teaches us to always put family first. If Blu does not learn this he will end up alone. Another one is to believe in yourself. Blu has to prove to himself that he is important no matter what anyone else tells him. You have to watch the movie to see what happens in the end!
I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars. It is funny, exciting and adventurous. Kids and adults will love it, especially those who love nature, music and Brazil! I recommend this movie for ages 5 to 18. I think young children will Anreally like the music, the colorful setting and all the animals throughout the film.
Additional video review by KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O.
Additional Rio 2 cast interview by Gerry O.
Interview with Rachel Crow (Carla) from Rio 2.
