Ever since I started this blog last May, I have reviewed numerous animated films, and though those from the 2010 Summer Movie Season were of an undeniably high quality (Toy Story 3 is an Oscar-winner and Despicable Me surprised everyone), some of the more recent entries have drastically failed to live up to their potential (Megamind, Rango, and Hop). Because of this faltering performance level, I admit that I was a little skeptical concerning Rio, but given the reputation of Blue Key Studios and their work on the Ice Age series, there was a chance that this latest animated entry would be a pleasant surprise. At the very least, it would be worth seeing Rio for the star-studded voice-cast, which included Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, George Lopez, and surprise additions Jamie Foxx and Will.i.am. As the last true family film before the new Summer Movie Season, marketing for Rio was understandably aggressive, positioning the animated adventure as a mixture of humor, heart, and style. 3D glasses in-hand, I was ready for Rio.
Critics have been branding Rio as the “greatest animated triumph since Toy Story 3,” and I am happy to report that I couldn’t agree more…the film is nothing short of fantastic. The A-list cast brings humorous and completely entertaining characters to life that you won’t soon forget; whether it is Jesse Eisenberg’s socially-awkward Blu or Tracy Morgan’s endearingly idiotic Luiz. The energetic and diegetic soundtrack also had the characters breaking into song in ways that brought back pleasant memories from the Disney Renaissance. Set against impressive animation that is actually worth seeing in 3D (a rarity these days), Rio also had a surprising amount of heart and romance which was generated by the two main characters, Blu and Jewel; I do realize I’m commenting on the chemistry between animated characters, but give me a break…people still swoon over the ides of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine together. Rio may not be the best animated film I have ever seen, but it has definitely earned its place among the contenders for the title.
For more information, please read the full review.
Overall Recommendation: Very High
