If you love birds, and you enjoy 3D animation, go see "Rio." With 30 some people working just on feather technology, they have come up with something rather special.
The story is sweet and has a message, but not the punch of "UP." There are musical numbers that will have you tapping your toes. The flying scenes aren't as inspired or as magical as those in "How to Train Your Dragon."
Still it moves along nicely. Jesse Eisenberg as Blu, a blue macaw who has been a pet and can't fly, is endearing in a non-saccharine way. George Lopez brings a happy confidence to his role as a toucan who knows the value of family and heart. Will. i. am and Jamie Foxx voice side kick characters that sing and goof off in amusing ways. (You'll want way more with Jane Lynch and Wanda Sykes and Tracy Morgan.)
But in moments of raw emotional energy (especially in the pivotal climactic scene) it's the feather technology that sells it. And I'm not ashamed to say I gasped and cried from the sheer beauty of one outstretched wing.
See it in 3D because so much will be lost otherwise.
I know just the scene you mean. It came to our drive-in, I’ve seen it twice, and I loved it.
Lisa, I’m so glad you got to see it and loved it!