(Review) Rio 2

I FEEL that ­director-producer Carlos Saldanha did a better job with his Ice Age series than with Rio and now Rio 2.
The first series had more heart and originality while the Rio ­movies are more colourful ­musical ­spectaculars with some ­adventures thrown in.
In this sequel, Blu (Jesse Eisenberg), Jewel (Anne Hathaway) and their three children discover that they are not the only blue macaws left in the world.
They then travel from their bird sanctuary in Rio into the deep Amazon jungle to find more of their kind.
Upon their arrival, Blu and Jewel meet Eduardo (Andy Garcia), Jewel’s father who is also the leader of the blue macaws, and Jewel’s warm and sassy aunt Mimi (Rita Moreno).
Then, there is Roberto (Bruno Mars), the most perfect ­specimen of his species, who makes Blu feel inadequate, especially as Jewel has a history with him.
Blu’s old nemesis Nigel the cockatoo (Jemaine Clement) has also followed Blu into the ­Amazon and is plotting revenge with the help of Gabi (Kristin Chenoweth), a cute poisonous frog who is besotted by the pompous villain.
While Blu tries his hardest to impress his judgmental father-in-law and fit in, the forest is in danger as illegal loggers are heading their way.
The best parts of the movie involve Nigel and Gabi. Of the many songs featured here, their version of I Will Survive will ­remain in your memory long after you have left the cinema.
Overall, Rio 2 is a decent movie that children will love.