Rio 2

Choosing any unwieldy subplot to trim from Rio 2 is tough, as they're each so vibrantly rendered.

There's just nothing magical about the story, nothing that lifts it above its status as an agreeable song-and-dance movie, a laugh here, a laugh there, pleasant but overly busy, for seemingly no real reason other than to throw a few more set pieces at the wall to see what sticks.

This hyperactive toon extravaganza has color, flair and energy to burn. But it’s the sort of relentless juggling act that finally proves more exhausting than exhilarating.

The movie feels at once too busy and too derivative. That’s no easy feat, but it’s also one sequel-makers probably shouldn’t aspire to.

Rio 2 offers roughly the same approach to story and to story clutter as did the first movie.

Amid all the excess busyness, there are formulas within formulas.

The net effect is a shapeless would-be diversion in which things just happen independently, a string of effects missing any cause.

It’s a sign of creative desperation of sorts that this return trip to South America is so over-stuffed with subplots and extraneous new characters that it barely stops flapping its plot-propelling wings for a second. As a result, "Rio 2" ends up being not so much about the birds as mostly for the birds. The 2011 original dared to touch upon the issue of rampant poverty in the frenzied Brazilian party city of Rio de Janeiro while following a pair of rare blue macaws who fall in love despite their differences. What distinguished that outing from other recent cartoon flights of fancy was the way the furry-and-feathered wisecrackers were grounded by intoxicating cultural flourishes, rump-shaking rhythms and real-world urban surroundings. Instead, this time around, we are forced to deal with the avian version of "Meet the Parents," a less-than-compelling eco-message about chopping down habitats, a soccer match that takes place in the sky and a jungle version of Amazon’s Got Talent as a string of exotic creatures audition as Carnaval entertainers. Timid Blu (whose nebbishy vocal quirks are once again provided by Jesse Eisenberg) and untamed Jewel (Anne Hathaway, at her best when carrying a tune) are happily nesting together with their three kids—save for the fact that Mama Bird yearns for a life that is more back to nature and less reliant on human-provided comforts. But when another blue macaw is reported to have been spotted in the rainforest, Jewel convinces her clan to take the 2,000-mile trek to mingle with others of their kind. Once again along for the ride as presumed comic relief are lively toucan Rafael (George Lopez), cardinal Pedro (****) and canary Nico (Jamie Foxx). Much humor comes at the expense of Blu’s nerdy attachment to his fanny pack, stuffed with such travel necessities as an electric toothbrush, breath mints and a portable GPS (note to filmmakers: “recalculating” jokes have long passed their expiration date). But he feels Ben Stiller as Gaylord **** pain when Jewel reunites with her father, the brusquely judgmental and brushcut-sporting Eduardo (Andy Garcia, doing a Latin-flavored De Niro impression). Adding a dash of jealousy to Blu’s humiliation is the presence of Jewel’s childhood pal, the bedroom-eyed preening crooner Roberto (Bruno Mars).

Unlike the first film, "Rio 2" can no longer afford not as effective at entertaining viewers, although it is also far from a waste of time.

This sequel is lacking the originality that the first one had. Although it seems a bit fun to watch and a bit interesting to think about, Rio 2 will at least pull out some moments in the movie and then end it with a score of mixed thoughts.

Rio 2 will appeal to kids but that’s it. As always Blue Sky Studios turns out a sequel that while presenting beautiful animation has weak writing and serves as another soulless cashgrab to serve more intriguing and original projects such as 2015’s Peanuts. Most of the characters from the first film are there, the film tries too hard to be hip from pop songs, to technology, and shoves its environmental message down your throat. The tagline at the end of the film describes the number of jobs created by this film. While I’m happy tons of people were to find work it’s a shame it wasn’t put to better use as there is a talented team of animators on hand who deserve stronger writing to work with. Doubt parents will hate this as much as me but if you are dragged to this you can sleep through this one.

I like the fact that they made something other than more Ice Age, but Rio just doesn't work for me at all, it's still bland, unoriginal, and forgettable. Overall there's nothing interesting about Rio 2 other than the animation is pretty good.