Rio

While it doesn't advance animation techniques, this feature delivers, with the help of Anne Hathaway's and Jesse Eisenberg's voices, fun-filled entertainment.

Rio may not advance animation techniques, but it delivers fun-filled entertainment.

Rio
Director: Carlos Saldanha
Starring (voices of): Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, George Lopez
***

The team behind Ice Age takes us to tropical locales in Rio, the story of a rare Macaw named Blu (the voice of Jesse Eisenberg), who is transported to Rio when a female of his species, Jewel (Anne Hathaway) is spotted there. At first clashing with Jewel, Blu must overcome his unusual fear of flying, and various other obstacles, to capture her heart. While Pixar continues breaking new ground with almost every movie it makes, there is a lot to be said for a film that just entertains, and that is exactly what Rio is. Embracing 3D to tremendous effect, we follow the likeable characters through myriad comic adventures. Eisenberg is perfect as Blu - playing the character like a feathered Woody Allen - and a host of comedy voice talents are on hand to make you laugh when you're not being seduced by the well-animated South American backdrops. Energetic, vibrant and entertaining, Rio combines excellent visuals and a witty, modern script that will appeal to audience members both young and old. Although it may not take the genre of animation in any new directions, the film is well executed and provides an hour and a half of fun family enjoyment.

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