Review of Rio (2011) by Nicole S — 12 Jan 2012

Full disclosure: I almost stopped the movie when all the damn birds started flying and singing in the opening scene, until I saw the cute widdle baby pawwot and went all gooey on the inside. Okay, the main character isn't a parrot, he's a blue macaw voiced by Jesse Eisenberg who ends up in Minnesota after being smuggled from his home country.

He is found and then raised as a pet (or companion, as he would argue) by a local gal (Leslie Mann). And then comes a cute Brazilian bird specialist proclaiming that they must go back to Rio, because how else will the title have thematic impact? Just kidding.

To save his species, the dorky bird must get it on with the fiery Jewel (Anne Hathaway), who proves more than a match for him. They get birdnapped from the research facility, chained together, and hilarity ensues! Rio is a terrific film where everything stands out: the voice acting, the animation, and the music.

Sure, the plot is predictable, but it's all in the service of Adorable and it works. Highly recommended!