RIO

2011, Twentieth Century Fox

Animated

Rating: G

Approx. 95 min

THE STORY:

Blu (Jesse Eisenberg), a domesticated rare Blue Macaw travels from his safe home in Minnesota to Brazil to mate with the only existing female in captivity. Once in Rio, Blu and his reluctant intended, Jewel (Anne Hathaway), get caught up in the illegal exotic bird trade. The two, aided by winged and four-legged friends, encounter a series of adventures as they make their way to eventual freedom.

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• Stupid 
• idiot 
• hate 
• shut up                                                 

VIOLENCE:

• Fighting 
• implication of bird killed in plane propeller (comes back in credits)

TEACHING POINTS:

• Women can be strong, independent thinkers and leaders
• If you believe, you succeed

THE UPSHOT:

The fact that Eisenberg’s voice is mismatched and grating is compensated for by the perfection of Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords) as the evil, bitter cockatiel, Nigel. The plot with its romantic entanglements is a bit Love Boaty, but the visuals and music are redeeming. I like that the female lead is a strong, independent character who actively spurs on rather than passively supports the male lead.

3/5