After three years, the Rio franchise continues, with this wonderful sequel.
Blu and Jewel, having fallen in love during the first movie, now have three adorably rambunctious children, Bia, Carla and Tiago. Each chick has their own unique personality traits, providing an amusing balance during their opening shenanigan.
Of course, the real story kicks in after the discovery of more blue macaws in the jungle, prompting Jewel to have the family (Plus their friends Nico, Pedro and Rafael) go to the jungle to meet them, and for the kids to connect to their roots. Along the way, they're spotted by Nigel, the villain of the original, who follows, seeking revenge.
Once they get to the jungle, Blu experiences the classic "disapproving father-in-law" scenario, and suffers jealousy over Jewel's childhood friend, Roberto, both of which provide some humor and pathos.
Blu and Jewel have experienced a bit of character development since the last movie. Blu is a little more confident and outgoing this time around (especially around the kids) and Jewel is a touch sweeter, and more compassionate. Their love for each other is still going strong, as is made clear in their very first scene (and in Blu's jealousy over Roberto).
Nigel gets a couple of sidekicks in the form of mute anteater Charlie, and the poisonous frog Gabi, who happens to be totally besotted with him. Nigel and Gabi have two of (in my opinion) the best songs in the film, and, though pushed to the sidelines somewhat during the course of the film, their scenes are some of the most memorable.
As for the new characters, Eduardo plays the role of the stern father-in-law quite well (Due mostly to Andy Garcia's contribution), and Roberto is a feathered Fabio, charming and friendly, but with a secret that comes out near the end of the film. Jewel's sweet and amusingly dotty Aunt Mimi rounds out the winged characters, with such lines as "I knew you were coming back. I saw it in the droppings."
There are quite a few plot points running through the movie, and it does feel a little crowded at times. But there are some genuinely funny and touching moments along the way, and with musical accompaniment equal to that of the original.
It all builds to an action-packed climax, where Blu really steps up. The final scene is an audio/visual joy to behold, and a great way to end the film.
While it's true Rio 2 isn't exactly flawless, in my opinion, the positives outweigh the negatives, making it a worthy follow-up to the original.
Blu and Jewel, having fallen in love during the first movie, now have three adorably rambunctious children, Bia, Carla and Tiago. Each chick has their own unique personality traits, providing an amusing balance during their opening shenanigan.
Of course, the real story kicks in after the discovery of more blue macaws in the jungle, prompting Jewel to have the family (Plus their friends Nico, Pedro and Rafael) go to the jungle to meet them, and for the kids to connect to their roots. Along the way, they're spotted by Nigel, the villain of the original, who follows, seeking revenge.
Once they get to the jungle, Blu experiences the classic "disapproving father-in-law" scenario, and suffers jealousy over Jewel's childhood friend, Roberto, both of which provide some humor and pathos.
Blu and Jewel have experienced a bit of character development since the last movie. Blu is a little more confident and outgoing this time around (especially around the kids) and Jewel is a touch sweeter, and more compassionate. Their love for each other is still going strong, as is made clear in their very first scene (and in Blu's jealousy over Roberto).
Nigel gets a couple of sidekicks in the form of mute anteater Charlie, and the poisonous frog Gabi, who happens to be totally besotted with him. Nigel and Gabi have two of (in my opinion) the best songs in the film, and, though pushed to the sidelines somewhat during the course of the film, their scenes are some of the most memorable.
As for the new characters, Eduardo plays the role of the stern father-in-law quite well (Due mostly to Andy Garcia's contribution), and Roberto is a feathered Fabio, charming and friendly, but with a secret that comes out near the end of the film. Jewel's sweet and amusingly dotty Aunt Mimi rounds out the winged characters, with such lines as "I knew you were coming back. I saw it in the droppings."
There are quite a few plot points running through the movie, and it does feel a little crowded at times. But there are some genuinely funny and touching moments along the way, and with musical accompaniment equal to that of the original.
It all builds to an action-packed climax, where Blu really steps up. The final scene is an audio/visual joy to behold, and a great way to end the film.
While it's true Rio 2 isn't exactly flawless, in my opinion, the positives outweigh the negatives, making it a worthy follow-up to the original.