Rio
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Jamie Foxx, Leslie Mann, George Lopez
Director: Carlos Saldanha
Rating: 4/5
The animation genre really did produce some outstanding movies back in 2010 - leaving this year with a hell of a lot to live up too.
So far it has been a little hit and miss but Rio has been charming audiences and critics on both sides of the Atlantic.
The film begins with a blue macaw (Blu) being plucked from his natural habitat and finds himself in a snowy Minnesota town.
He is soon discovered by a little girl (Linda) who adores him and they embark on a lasting friendship. He then settles in to a pampered life style in her bookshop.
They are visited one day by a bird expert (Tulio) from Brazil who explains Blu is urgently needed to fly to Brazil as part of a breeding programme. The aim is for him to mate with the last remaining female blue macaw (Jewel).
Blu soon finds himself out of his comfort zone as they fly to Brazil. Far away from his domesticated lifestyle in a strange place in the grip of carnival fever.
Blu is the introduced to Jewel which doesn’t exactly go to plan and results in them both being kidnapped.
That's when the adventure really begins with the introduction of a menagerie of furry and feathered creatures.
A wonderful combination of stunning animation and infectious music. The 3D works best in the action sequences, in particular the motor cycle ride through the narrow streets of Rio.
Anne Hathaway and Jesse Eisenberg banter well together as the super cool Jewel and the worrywart Blu.
This vibrant, energetic and colourful film is well worth a viewing as it entertains both children as well as adults.
Rio is a movie that is just full of energy that you can't help but swept away in that Rio carnival feel.
Rio is out now.
FemaleFirst Sue Lamb