“Rio 2” is the sequel to 2011’s animated musical hit from Blue Sky Studios, the makers of the “Ice Age” series. “Rio” had a very average story, eye-popping, candy-colored characters and over-the-top musical numbers. The same can be said for this sequel, which is unfortunately unlikable.
Blu and Jewel (again voiced by Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway) now have three young, energetic kids (who thankfully aren’t the main focus). The family still believes they’re the last Blue Macaws on the planet, until they learn that their wacky scientist owners ventured to the Amazon and found proof that other members of their species exist. So the family of five decides to journey from Rio de Janeiro to the rainforest to see these other Blue Macaws for themselves. It turns out that hundreds exist, led by Jewel’s own tough father (Andy Garcia).
The plot expands to include the supporting trio of Nico, Pedro, and Rafael (Jamie Foxx, will.i.am., and George Lopez) looking for talent for an upcoming festival, Jewel’s own showy childhood friend Roberto (pop singer Bruno Mars), old nemesis Nigel and his new companion venomous frog (Jemaine Clement and Kristen Chenoweth), and the forced environmental issues.
“Rio 2” is as typical as a trip to the pet store: this film goes in way too many directions searching for just the right story, tone, feel – and ultimately finds the perfect match, but only for five and six-year-olds. Anyone older than that will likely be bored. The jokes and situations aren’t clever (the GPS gag gets old fast), and coming off of Disney’s animated phenomenon “Frozen”, the musical numbers are rather goofy (and there are way too many of them).
On the positive side, the voice cast works (though it’s a little too star-studded for my liking) and the animation is simply gorgeous. If only the story was stronger. Blue Sky hasn’t shown the ability to deliver great storytelling since 2009’s “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs”. Maybe next year’s eagerly anticipated “Peanuts” will change this streak.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Rio 2” gets a C.