released 4 april / director Carlos Saldanha / starring Anne Hathaway, Amandla Stenberg, Leslie Mann / Genre Animation, Adventure, Comedy
T
he wonderment of Pixar’s fantastical lands has long towered over the world of animated cinema. Buzz and Woody’s Toy Story adventures not only pulled in the box office big bucks, but wowed cinemagoers of all ages with their thrilling escapades. Now there’s a new contender in town, and he’s ready to ruffle some feathers. Back in 2011, Blue Sky Studios - the creators of Epic and Ice Age - introduced audiences to Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) and Jewel (Anne Hathaway) the last two blue macaws on Earth, who, amongst the colourful sights and bright lights of Rio de Janeiro, fell in love with one another. After the pair defeated evil bird smugglers, and an even more evil bird - the dastardly sulphur-crested cockatoo Nigel (Flight of the Conchords’ Jemaine Clement) - the rare pair returned home to set up a nest and live flappily ever after.
Reuniting all the fuzzy faces of Rio, and introducing a menagerie of new characters, Rio 2 picks up where the original movie left off: Blu still loves his home comforts and making pancakes, while Jewel longingly yearns for the freedom of a bird’s life. Two years later and with a flock of their own mini macaws in tow, free-spirited Jewel decides that her new family should experience the wild marvels of their true home, and reconnect with the ancient roots of the Amazon rainforest - unfortunately, this family reunion promises much more than dubious dad dancing and embarrassing family photographs. After stumbling across her long-lost father Eduardo (Andy Garcia), the feathered family learn that not only is the Amazonian habitat in great danger, but Blu’s vengeful nemesis Nigel has returned - and he’s more wicked than ever. If the imminent threat of destruction and disaster and the return of Nigel weren’t bad enough, the meek macaw also has to deal with Jewel’s suave ex-boyfriend Roberto (voiced by pop sensation Bruno Mars) landing on the scene. Luckily, Blu and Jewel have made some unforgettable friends on their travels. Birdbrained bulldog Luiz (Tracy Morgan), bottle cap hat-wearing canary Nico (Jamie Foxx),
rapping red-crested cardinal Pedro (will.i.am), alongside many more famous voices, reprise their Rio roles and race to the aid of their winged allies. The original Rio was highly praised for its sensational score. From the celebratory rhythms of the carnival parade to its tribal jungle boogies, the film not only explored landscapes overflowing with animated life, but ones bustling with musical delights. Rio 2 promises an equally melodic journey through Brazil’s cities and tropical forests, as veteran composer John Powell returns to score the high-flying action. Accompanied by original songs performed by Bruno Mars, Janelle Monáe, Jamie Foxx and will.i.am, Rio 2’s musical pleasures will have you dancing in the aisles - ensuring that this reunion party will have the best soundtrack in town. Pixar’s reign as animation extraordinaires may have gone largely unchallenged since Toy Story 3, but Blue Sky Studios and their brilliantly funny, charming and devilish members of the animal kingdom are sure to give them a run for their money this spring. He may well not be able to fly, but that won’t stop Blu and company from soaring through cinemas and transporting audiences to a carnival of music, mischief, and amazing adventure - it’s on in the Amazon.
March / April 2014 15