At its core, Rio is a beautiful love letter to Brazil. Saldanha, who was born there, fills his film with the vibrant energy and colorful beauty of Rio de Janeiro. The music, which was co-written and performed by Brazilian musicians, adds to the film’s pulsating rhythm. The film makes great use of samba, bossa nova and other Brazilian styles, creating an authentic atmosphere that leads to a true sensory experience.
However, Rio’s greatness isn’t limited to simply its aesthetic. The story is an engaging and unique mash-up of genres. At times it is a traditional adventure story, taking its characters on a wild journey through the jungle. At others, it’s a humorous buddy movie centered around the mismatched duo of Blu and Jewel as they must come to terms with their differences and reach common ground. The film’s blend of action, humor, and romance comes together as the story unfolds.
The animation is also a highlight of the movie. The characters are all designs with great care and detail, and they often come across as both cuddly and fierce. BlueSky Studios, with award-winning films such as the Ice Age franchise and The Peanuts Movie under their belt, has always delivered top-quality animation, but Rio was a special project that gave them a chance to really show off their skills.
The voice acting for the film is also noteworthy. Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway bring their talents to the main characters of Blu and Jewel while Leslie Mann and Rodrigo Santoro voice their human counterparts. However, it’s the supporting cast that really shines, with comedians Jamie Foxx and Will.i.am providing delightful performances as Blu’s sidekicks.
Overall, Rio is a fun and enjoyable film. It combines action, humor, and romance in a way that feels fresh and engaging. The movie doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of preservation and importance of protecting endangered species. The movie teaches us that everybody is unique in their own way and it’s important to accept differences to find a common ground, which is an important lesson for young viewers. Rio is a love letter to Brazil, but it’s accessible to people of all ages and the film will definitely leave you smiling.