Road To El Dorado, The MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -1/2

This colorful, animated comedy-adventure begins in Spain in 1519, when many adventurers are leaving for the new western world to look for gold. In particular, everyone is excited about a rumored city made of gold called El Dorado. Two likable, but unscrupulous rogues, Miguel (voice of Kenneth Branagh) and Tulio (voice of Kevin Kline) unhappily find themselves in chains on a ship headed for the new world. But they escape and end up on the island where they discover there really is an El Dorado. To their delight, the natives take them for gods and, with the help of a seductive native woman, Chel (Rosie Perez), win the allegiance of local tribal leaders and natives. They have lots of fun living among the natives, but the pagan tribal priest and a band of Spanish soldiers approaching the city pose real threats. Although the story is rather predictable, the films superb animation, enhanced by some appealing musical numbers, will probably attract a reasonably wide audience.

Although likable, Miguel and Tulio are not upstanding citizens, but are portrayed in a favorable manner. However, they appear to have a change of heart and show real concern for the natives. In two instances, they save natives from sacrificial deaths. And, in their role as gods, eventually outlaw human sacrifice. The dialogue has only two mild crudities but the film includes one instance of implied sex. Tulio and Chel are apparently on the floor behind a sofa as Tulio raises his head to check for an intruder. Although not obvious, sex behind the sofa is strongly implied. The tribal priest engages in occultic practices such as brewing magical potions, conjuring up reptiles and other frightening phenomena. While certainly undesirable behavior, he is portrayed as evil and misguided, as are his practices. This incident is similar to the miracles of Pharoahs evil sorcerers in the Bible book of Exodus. Although undesirable behavior of one type or another is portrayed in most films, whether its inclusion is tolerable or not, depends largely on how severe or explicit the behavior is and whether it is portrayed favorably. In this film, the pagan priest and his occultic practices are clearly portrayed as evil, but the implied premarital sex is portrayed as humorous and acceptable. The favorable portrayal of premarital sex prevents our recommending THE ROAD TO EL DORADO. Our negative rating should also alert parents of small children that some scenes are intense and could be frightening.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Dreamworks SKG, 100 Universal Plaza, Bldg 477, Universal City, CA 91608