“Rio” is an animated musical comedy film released in 2011, directed by Carlos Saldanha and produced by Blue Sky Studios. The film follows the adventures of Blu, a rare domesticated blue macaw who has never learned to fly, and his owner Linda, a bookstore owner from Minnesota, who travel to Rio de Janeiro for Blu to mate with the last remaining female blue macaw, Jewel. However, their plans are disrupted when the two birds are kidnapped by smugglers who want to sell them on the black market.
The film features a star-studded voice cast, including Jesse Eisenberg as Blu, Anne Hathaway as Jewel, and Jemaine Clement as the villainous cockatoo, Nigel. The colorful and vibrant setting of Rio de Janeiro is also a highlight of the film, with its lively music, carnival atmosphere, and stunning scenery.
“Rio” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its animation and energy, while others criticized its formulaic storyline and lack of originality. Despite the mixed reception, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $484 million worldwide and spawning a sequel, “Rio 2,” in 2014. The film’s soundtrack, which features songs by artists such as will.i.am and Jamie Foxx, also became a chart-topping hit, with the song “Real in Rio” receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
Duration: 96 min.