Colourful caper Rio 2 fails to take flight as action moves to the Amazon
RIO 2: Dead-set city slicker Blu struggles to fit in with his jungle surrounds — and a frumpy father-in-law — in this so-so sequel.
Leigh Paatsch
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A SO-SO sequel to the 2011 animated hit, Rio 2 comes and goes with little fresh ground covered, and a lot of explosive bursts of colour detonated.
After making several unnecessary reintroductions, the film belatedly sets about effecting a major change of location for the main action.
The fine, feathered family of Blu (voiced by Jesse Eisenberg), Jewel (Anne Hathaway) and their three young children have now been transplanted from the comfort of Rio de Janeiro to the wilds of the Amazon.
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As a deadset city slicker, Blu has his work cut out fitting in with his new surrounds, particularly upon meeting his frumpy father-in-law Eduardo (Andy Garcia) for the first time.
In general, Rio 2 feels less inspired and more forced than its predecessor. With the sole exception of Bruno Mars, a cameo-heavy voice cast brings little enthusiasm to the production as a whole.
The visual design of the picture, however, is an undeniable knockout.
The illustration team work with the brighter hues of the spectrum in a most attractive fashion (the perfect antidote for those who didn’t dig the dark and gloomy palette of How To Train Your Dragon 2).
At best, a safe, middle-of-the-road bet for parents saddled with preschoolers and early primary-schoolers who need a trip to the cinema. The filmmakers behind the Ice Age franchise do know their target demographic well.
Rio 2 (G)
Director: Carlos Saldanha (Rio)
Starring: the voices of Jesse Eisenberg, Andy Garcia, Anne Hathaway, Jamie Foxx
Verdict: Two-and-a-half stars. Birds of a feather cause only a minor flap
Originally published as Colourful caper Rio 2 fails to take flight as action moves to the Amazon
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