Movie review: Rio 2 (2014)

The first ‘Rio’ is a good one. So I don’t think its sequel would be disappointment. And yes, I was right. I had fun watching it. Well, I was referring to ‘Rio 2’, the sequel to the 2011’s Rio that focuses on Blu and Jewel, a sweet pair of blue macaws in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (hence the movie’s title). In this sequel, they travelled to Amazon alongside with their three kids to help their human friends to find the additional macaws they discovered while facing the return of their previous enemy, Nigel and also a huge illegal logging team headed by a ruthless leader.

The story is an interesting one despite sets further away from Rio de Janeiro this time. The macaws’ adventure at the Amazon was a good one and I enjoyed it. There are many sub-plots going on (seeing Blu and Jewel as the parents now, Blu being too attached to human lifetstyle, Blu’s relationship with his father-in-law that didn’t go well in the beginning, Blu’s jealousy of Jewel’s childhood friend, Blu’s adaptation to Amazon, blue macaws’ conflict with the red macaws, Nigel’s new team to take revenge but is always foiled hilariously, Jewel’s father’s hatred to humans, and the presence of the big bad boss of the illegal logging team) combined for a wonderful and colourful adventure in the new setting; Amazon. Many things going on, and still it goes smoothly and easily understandable.

No room to judge acting skill here since this is an animated film. However, the voice over by all the casts looks great particularly Jesse Eisenberg as Blu and Kristin Chenoweth as Gabi, the frog that is Nigel’s sidekick. While on the other hand, the visuals look great and stunning. I can easily get annoyed with musical elements (singing and dancing) in a movie but not from this one. I find it fun, energetic and vibrant to watch instead. Also not to forget many funny scenes throughout the film that can give us (even adults) a good laugh. I’m sure kids will love this. Should recommend my sister to bring his son to watch this too.

Nigel and Gabi is the funniest pair to watch here. They are not just evil. Their presence here made things go better. As for the Blu and Jewel’s three kids, I wish for more emphasis on them. Maybe they could help out with significant roles in this, like maybe to track down the bad guys, but turned out only to be a mere addition to the already heavy number of characters. And Bruno Mars is even here voicing out as Roberto, one of the new supporting characters.

The movie is entertaining all along. Well, I couldn’t say this is exciting since there isn’t any serious dangers or problems going on to the birds, not until the last fifteen minutes of the movie where climax finally comes. No worries. There isn’t any boring moments either. Everything goes dramatic and progresses well, and finally to a happy ending as expected for a light animated film like this. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘Rio 2’ a total of 7.4. Rio 2 is promising as a more colourful, busier, and delightful animated film. It’s slightly better than its predecessor. Go watch it if you haven’t.

(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)

 

Obama’s visit to Malaysia is a buzz!

The President of the United States of America, Barack Obama is now here in Malaysia (my country) for a three-days visit from 26 to 28 April 2014. He is originally scheduled to visit the country back in October last year but couldn’t do so due to their partial government shutdown crisis at the time. This time around, there isn’t anything that blocks the way and here we welcome him to our country. His visit marks the second time a U.S. President came to Malaysia, as the first one was back in 1966 (48 years ago) when President Lyndon B. Johnson set his foot here too.

Why is it that his arrival here is much more exciting, happening and making a lot more buzz than the other presidents, prime ministers or even kings? Well, no doubt United States is a superpower, and having the leader of a superpower here  is something we find of utmost importance especially of guaranteeing his safety and smooth tour in Malaysia. Just days before his arrival, I have read news of the level of security provided for him, particularly from his official presidential plane, Air Force One and his presidential limousine called The Beast and all the checks by U.S. Secret Service. Interesting facts: There is a medical operating room in the Air Force One. And if you think that it is not enough, there is also a blood bank in The Beast containing the similar blood type with the President in case anything emergency happens that requires it.

Barack Obama arrived here yesterday’s afternoon to a grand welcome after having been to Japan and South Korea. Later on, he would goes to Philippines, which would be his last stop of the four-nations Asia tour. He went to the Parliament House on yesterday’s evening for an official welcoming ceremony, and attended a state banquet at National Palace with the King and Queen, the Prime Minister and the main cabinet ministers. Today, he will be heading to Putrajaya, administrative capital of Malaysia to hold talks with Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak before going to nearby Cyberjaya for the launch of the Malaysia Global Innovation and Creative Centre (MAGIC). The US President will also hold a town hall session with young leaders from South East Asia and to visit National Mosque this afternoon.

He will leaves to Philippines tomorrow. Before he is leaving, I think there is a bit of ample time for him to truly discover the wonder of Malaysia. Maybe he can drop by at some famous tourist destinations in Kuala Lumpur like Chinatown, Batu Caves, KLCC, etc or even try our local delicacies like nasi lemak, cendol, char kuey teow, or even durian if he can stand the smell. Too bad that he only has three days here (actually only one and a half). If not, he could explore more on what we can offer to the current 44th US President.

His visit here is not only to improve bilateral ties between the two nations but also as an approach to further engage with Muslim world and these priorities reflect the American leader’s multicultural heritage, which has given him a wider view of the world. Obama’s efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples has won him the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize too. His landmark visit here to Malaysia marks a new chapter in the history of both nations. Welcome once again, Mr. Barack Obama.

(Information and images in this post are from The Star Online)