So I FINALLY Got Around To Writing The "Rio" Review

Here's the logic for choosing Samba as today's fractal cookie: the Samba is a uniquely Brazilian dance that was created in Rio de Janero and Rio takes place there--thus the choice.  Now you know, on with the review!
-
Robyn and I finally saw Rio Friday April 23 but I didn't get around to writing the review until today.  Plot-wise you've seen this movie before--unlikely couple find themselves forced together to overcome a bad situation and find love in this process all to a bouncy soundtrack complete with spectacular production numbers: this time it's done with tropical birds (Blue Macaws to be exact).  What raises Rio above the average is the spectacular animation and voice casting who manage to bring the script to life.
-
Visually, this movie is a love-letter to Rio de Janero: the beauty and squalor of the city are there as well as the boundless energy of the city.  The jungle and the birds have never looked better and this is a movie that makes me wish I'd seen it in 3D instead of on the cheaper version: that being said, professional reviewers (most notably Sam Rubin of KTLA) says this movie DOESN'T need to be seen in 3D.  (But honestly, what movie besides Avatar really does?)
-
The voice cast is as close to perfection as you can come: nobody does appealing nerd better than Jesse Eisenberg and he manages to lend charm to the role of Blu (which could easily become quite annoying).  Look up "spunky" and you're sure to find a picture of Anne Hathaway (a characteristic she has in spades a Jewel).  George Lopez has another vocal star turn as  Raphael (a Toucan in love with love and willing to share advice and guidance with the hapless Blu).  Jemaine Clement has the deepest, plumiest voice since Cyril Richard and his turn as evil cockatoo Nigel is worthy of Captain Hook: too bad he can't sing his way out of a paper bag (but he "singspeaks" right up there with Rex Harrison).  The rest of the cast (including some unexpected voices like Jamie Fox and Will i Am) are equally spectacular.
-
The script is clever enough to hold your interest even if you've seen it all before.  There's enough complexity to keep adults interested with enough action for the kids and not too much mushy stuff to turn them off.  In short--this is the kind of movie the whole family can see and enjoy.  Is it one of the greats?  I dunno--but it certain ranks right up there with the extremely good.
-
FINAL GRADE: A