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Rio 2 Movie Review

Apr 10, 2014

Blu, Jewel and their three kids are living a perfectly civilized life now in Rio De Janeiro, but all that changes when Jewel decides her kids need to get back to their roots and learn to live like real birds - in the Amazon! Blu tried to fit in with his new neighbors in the jungle, but finds himself coming up against two major adversaries: Nigel, a vengeful bird and even worse, his Father in Law. In the midst of all the drama Blu worries that he may lose his family to the wild.

Blu and Jewel leave the big city for the AmazonBlu and Jewel leave the big city for the AmazonCourtesy of Blue Sky Studios

The Bottom Line

It almost goes without saying that sequels are never as good as the first movie (except in some rare occasions) and Rio 2 is not an exception - but it still has some great moments. The original Rio was a surprise hit in 2011, and so it's great to see what this family of rare Brazilian blue macaws are up to now. A series of random coincidences lead the family not just into the wild (where Jewel has been longing to return), but also into a community of Blue Macaws - showing the whole family that they aren't as alone as they originally thought - but when they meet Jewel's dad (Andy Garcia), Blu has to wonder if that's a good thing.

Jewel thinks her kids are a little too domesticatedJewel thinks her kids are a little too domesticatedCourtesy of Blue Sky Studios

Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway return as the voices of the lead macaws, Blu and Jewel, and this sequel manages to pack in tons of family sitcom-style comedy as well as a handful of catchy musical numbers and the same quality of eye-popping animation as the first. If you're a fan of slapstick, there are plenty of slips and smacks to the faces to go around, and combined with the music and bright visuals you can't help but feel that they tried to stuff everything in here! Overall the movie has a fantastic environmental message, but lacks some of the simplicity, charm and newness of the first.

Jewel (Anne Hathaway) is wary of the attentions of her ex-beau Roberto (Bruno Mars)Jewel (Anne Hathaway) is wary of the attentions of her ex-beau Roberto (Bruno Mars)Courtesy of Blue Sky Studios

Film Clip: Amazon or Bust