Rio (2011)

Directed by: Carlos Saldanha | 96 minutes | animation, comedy, adventure, family | Dutch voice cast: Jamai, Kim-Lian van der Meij, Charly Luske, Tanja Jess | Original voice cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Leslie Mann, Rodrigo Santoro, Jake T. Austin, George Lopez, Carlos Ponce, Kate del Castillo, Bernardo de Paula

The pristine jungle has often proved to be a fine source of inspiration for animated film makers, with the most striking examples being Disney’s ‘The Jungle Book’ (1967) and ‘The Lion King’ (1994). The lush flora and colorful fauna, as well as the impenetrable mystique of the jungle, appeal to the imagination of not only children but also their parents. Carlos Saldanha, the great man behind the ‘Ice Age’ trilogy, delved into the primeval forests of his native Brazil for his film ‘Rio’ (2011) to pay tribute to the land of his ancestors. With the dynamic opening scene in the jungle, in which countless brightly colored birds perform a kind of feathered welcome dance to swinging bossanova sounds, he starts out promising. Once the story begins, it turns out that we as an audience have been spoiled by Pixar’s delights. Because although ‘Rio’ has a beneficial color and music explosion in the house, the story never really manages to surprise.

Blu is a rare blue macaw who, as a young bird, falls into the hands of nefarious merchants who take him from the jungles of Rio to wintry Minnesota. There he ends up in the loving hands of Linda, the somewhat goofy owner of a bookshop. The two become very attached to each other and Blu lets himself be pampered, to the point of being spoiled. One day, Brazilian ornithologist Tulio enters the store with the message that Blu must come to Rio de Janeiro to secure the future of his species. The blue macaw is in danger of becoming extinct. Although both Linda and Blu are not immediately eager to go with Tulio, they are persuaded. Once in Rio, Blu comes face to face with Jewel, the last remaining female of the blue macaw. At first she doesn’t like her spoiled congener – he can’t even fly! – but when they threaten to fall victim to bird smugglers, they are forced to work together.

‘Rio’ is a bustling, cheerful film that passes you at lightning speed. The film is full of colorful bird figures that whistling through life. For example, ‘street birds’ Nico and Pedro and the friendly toucan Rafael, who help Blu and Jewel find their way through the streets of Rio. Of course there must also be an enemy and he has succeeded very well in ‘Rio’. In the original version, Jemaine Clement gives an excellent shape to the frustrated white parrot Nigel, who acts as the bird traders’ assistant. Together with Jesse Eisenberg as the neurotic macaw Blu, he steals the show. The Dutch version includes the voices of Jamai Loman, Kim-Lian van der Meij, Charley Luske and Tanja Jess. The beautifully designed birds and the atmospheric setting (not only the Brazilian jungle, but also the beaches, the favelas and the exuberant carnival of Rio de Janeiro are part of the decor) know how to draw the viewer into the film, the rhythm section (with Sergio Mendes on board, among others) ensures that he cannot keep his feet still. But is that enough?

In terms of content, ‘Rio’ is a bit disappointing. In the impressive opening scene, which shows how a small Blu ends up in the wrong hands, the film manages to touch the viewer emotionally, but unfortunately it hardly gets a sequel. It all remains somewhat on the surface, whether you have 3D glasses on or not. You never really worry about whether things will turn out all right with Blu and Jewel, it is mainly a bubbling whirlwind through the summery Rio de Janeiro. The wafer-thin plot and predictability get in the way of an unforgettable movie experience. No doubt we’ve been spoiled by the recent Disney/Pixar delights, because ‘Rio’ is definitely worth a look for its pops of color and catchy rhythm. The film swings and jumps, is funny and has a high entertainment value. However, we will soon forget the adventures of these cheerful birds.