Rio (3D) MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +4 Content: +3

Directed by Carlos Saldanha. Main Actors (voices): Jessie Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Leslie Mann, Rodrigo Santoro , Jamie Foxx, Will i Am, Jamie Foxx, Jermaine Clements.

FILM SYNOPSIS:This colorful, action-packed animated children’s film will be a big hit with the kids. Blu (Jessie Eisenberg) is a rare blue macaw, the much loved pet of Linda (Leslie Mann), who lives in Minnesota. At the urging of Tulio (Rodrigo Santoro), a Brazilian biologist, Linda agrees to take Blu to Rio to mate with Jewel (Anne Hathaway), another beautiful blue macaw. Of course, these plans are easier said than done. Timid and fearful, Blu has never learned to fly, Jewel doesn’t know the word “fear,” and the bad guys are determined to capture the valuable pair. The two meet lots of comical tropical birds, like Nico and Pedro (Jamie Foxx and Will i Am), along with sinister cockatoo Nigel (Jermaine Clement). In the midst of Rio Carnival, with all of its colorful and bizarre characters, Blu and Jewel are swept into a world of chases and adventure.

PREVIEW REVIEW:Rio embodies today’s focus on entertaining children visually. The action and colors are so constant and intense there’s no time to contemplate a plot or the significance of what’s happening. And why are the sound effects so LOUD? If today’s kids aren’t deaf by the time they are teens, they surely will have some hearing impairment. “Rio,” as one viewer commented, “is just another car chasing, car crashing movie with birds instead of cars.” Oh, dear – just what kids have come to expect, even demand, for entertainment.”

Some dark, sinister scenes could frighten young children. The prized macaws are captured and thrown into cages and threatened by the villains. And, of course, there are many and death-defying falls that in the real world would have killed Blu and Jewel. Last minute saves make for suspense, but could upset some sensitive youngsters. Among all the action and danger, however, are some positive messages about friends, encouraging others to do what is right, and crime doesn’t pay. Good triumphs over evil.

Rio has no foul language, profanities or drugs. There are a few very subtle suggestive comments and actions about the mating process, but nothing offensive or graphic. During the carnival festivities some of the participants are in brief outfits and dance somewhat suggestively.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: 20th Century Fox