Rio 2 (U)

Directed by Carlos Saldanha

5 Stars

Brazilian director Carlos Saldanha reunites with his beloved rare birds Blu and Jewel in Rio 2.

Jewel and his family lead a domestic life but to challenge the routine, and to find out if they really are the last blue macaws on the planet, he proposes an adventure in the wilds of the Amazon. In the midst of the jungle, discovering a world of danger and beauty, they find a flock of their own species.

Looking beyond the stereotypes of sun, sea and carnival, Saldanha shows off the glories of Brazil while not overlooking endemic crime and ecological abuse. The original soundtrack includes bossa nova, samba and a mix of sounds from all regions of the country.

Funny, colourful and wonderfully animated, this is a gigantic adventure which brings life to a beautiful animal world. A soulful and emotional family feast.

Rita Di Santo