Rio (2011)

Before he’s even had the chance to learn to fly, the young macaw “Blu” takes a tumble from the safety of his nest straight into the hands of some bird-nappers. Next thing, after yet more tumbling, he is living a domesticated and flightless life with the kindly “Linda”, sipping mocha in Barnes & Noble and believing he is the very last of his breed. Then “Tulio” shows up from far-flung Rio de Janeiro announcing that he might have a potential girlfriend for the young “Blu”. “Jewel” and he might just be able to propagate their species, and so off they travel to meet up. Might feathered bliss ensue? Well unfortunately not, as they couple are pinched once again from their lab by more animal smugglers and secreted away, chained together, into a favela policed by the menacing “Nigel”. With carnival time approaching, “Linda” and “Tulio” have to try to find their stolen birds whilst the two macaws have to find a way to escape from the clutches of their captors. It gets off to a flying start with some entertainingly choreographed and colourful jungle-life delivering a lively routine, but thereafter it follows an all too predictable pattern of frying pan to fire scenarios, supported by some pretty unremarkable songs that do capitalise on the Hispanic vibe, but without leaving us with any ear worms. It is a great looking and vibrant film and I did quite like the nasty “Nigel” but there really isn’t anything new here and it’s a film that I know that I’ll never remember. One for the kids on the telly, I’d say.