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Rio 2 is a 2014 American 3D computer-animated musical comedy film produced by 20th Century Animation and directed by Carlos Saldanha. It is the sequel to the 2011 computer-animated film Rio and the studio's first film to have a sequel outside of their existing Ice Age franchise. The title refers to the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, where the first film was set and Rio 2 begins, though most of its plot occurs in the Amazon rainforest. Featuring the returning voices of Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, will.i.am, Jamie Foxx, George Lopez, Tracy Morgan, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Mann, Rodrigo Santoro, and Jake T. Austin, the film was released internationally on March 20, 2014,[4] and on April 11, 2014,[4] in American theaters. Despite receiving mixed reviews from film critics, the film was positively welcomed from audience and grossed $500 million worldwide becoming one of 2014 most succesful movies. Rio 3

Plot[]

Spix's Macaws Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) and Jewel (Anne Hathaway) and their three children—Bia (Amandla Stenberg), Carla (Rachel Crow), and Tiago (Pierce Gagnon) are living happily in the city until Jewel realizes that her children are becoming more like humans. Meanwhile, Blu's former owner, Linda Gunderson (Leslie Mann) and her ornithologist husband, Tulio (Rodrigo Santoro) are on an expedition in the Amazon and, after a fall down a waterfall, discover a quick-flying Spix's macaw that loses one of its feathers. When word gets out about this through television, Jewel believes that they should go to the Amazon to help find the blue macaws. While the kids are ecstatic, Blu is uncertain, but he is pressured into going along. Rafael (George Lopez), Nico (Jamie Foxx) and Pedro (will.i.am) decide to come along. Luiz (Tracy Morgan) attempts to follow but fails. Blu brings a fanny pack full of supplies, one of which he uses mostly is a GPS, much to Jewel's displeasure.

Meanwhile, the leader of a group in a line of illegal logging named Big Boss (Migeul Ferrer), discovers Linda and Tulio's expedition to find the macaws and orders his henchmen to hunt them down to avoid disruptions to their work. Also, Blu and Jewel's old nemesis, Nigel the cockatoo, has survived the plane crash from the first film, but he is now unable to fly and is working as a fortune teller/con artist. When he sees Blu and his family flying overhead, he immediately decides to seek revenge on them. He enlists two minions to help him in his plans; a silent anteater named Charlie and a poison dart frog named Gabi (Kristin Chenoweth), who is in love with Nigel. Blu and his family use a boat to get to the jungle (with Nigel's first plan of revenge being inadvertently foiled by Charlie); and when they arrive, they find nothing. However, they are eventually taken to a flock of blue macaws that are hiding in a secret paradise land. There, they meet Jewel's stern long-lost father, Eduardo (Andy Garcia), his older sister Mimi (Rita Moreno), and Jewel's childhood friend, Roberto (Bruno Mars). Eduardo seems unimpressed with Blu's domesticated human behavior.

While searching for the macaws, Linda and Tulio are eventually trapped by the loggers. Meanwhile, Blu does his best to fit in with the flock, as his family and friends are doing, although the flock (especially Eduardo) are against humans and all things human. Meanwhile, a disguised Nigel plans to kill Blu at the new Carnival show after landing in an audition hosted by Rafael, Nico, Pedro, and Carla. When Blu tries to pick a Brazilian nut for Jewel, he accidentally tries to get it in the territory of the Spix macaw's enemies, the scarlet macaws, led by the hostile Felipe (Philip Lawrence). Blu inadvertently causes war between the two tribes for food when he accidentally hits Felipe with a twig. The war turns out to be just like football (soccer), and Blu accidentally costs the flock the food when he scores an own goal.

Blu visits Tulio and Linda's site, where he discovers that it has been majorly disturbed. After discovering the loggers are destroying the jungle, Blu sends Roberto (who followed Blu) to warn the flock as he saves Linda and Tulio. Blu persuades the macaws to defend their homes, and they easily outmatch the loggers with help from the scarlet macaws and the other animals. Big Boss tries to blow up the trees as a back-up plan, but Blu steals the lit dynamite. Nigel goes after Blu, and reveals himself as they are falling down when he tugs on the dynamite.

After the dynamite goes off, Blu and Nigel engage in a battle while tangled in vines. Gabi and Charlie try to help Nigel by shooting Blu with a dart that has Gabi's poison on it, but it accidentally hits Nigel, who gives a Shakespearean death speech before seemingly dying.

Gabi, in a Romeo and Juliet-style, tries to commit suicide by drinking her own poison and the pair are seemingly dead. However, Bia reveals that Gabi isn't poisonous at all (she was lied to by her parents that she was). Nigel tries to attack Blu again, but Gabi showers Nigel with affection against his will. Meanwhile, Big Boss is eaten by a boa constrictor he encountered.

With the flock now under Linda and Tulio's protection, Blu and Jewel decide to live in the Amazon with their kids and friends, though still agreeing to visit Rio in the summer. Meanwhile, Nigel and Gabi are captured by Tulio, and are both sent back to Rio. Luiz finally arrives in the Amazon, and Charlie joins the birds' party.

Voice cast[]

  • Anne Hathaway as Jewel, a female Spix's macaw from Rio de Janeiro and Blu's mate[4]
  • Jesse Eisenberg as Blu, a male Spix's macaw from Moose Lake who was born in Rio de Janeiro and Jewel's mate[4]
  • Jemaine Clement as Nigel, a sadistic sulphur-crested cockatoo who seeks revenge on Blu for crippling his ability to fly[4]
  • Kristin Chenoweth[4] as Gabi, a tree frog and Nigel's sidekick[5]
  • will.i.am as Pedro, a rapping red-crested cardinal[4]
  • George Lopez as Rafael, a romantic toco toucan fond of the Rio Carnival, Eva's mate[4]
  • Bruno Mars[4] as Roberto, Jewel's suave childhood friend[5]
  • Leslie Mann as Linda, an American woman who adopted Blu for 15 years and Tulio's wife.[4]
  • Rodrigo Santoro as Tulio, a Brazilian ornithologist and Linda's husband[4]
  • Rita Moreno as Aunt Mimi, Eduardo's older sister and Jewel's aunt[4][6]
  • Tracy Morgan as Luiz, a bulldog and a chainsaw expert with a drooling condition[4]
  • Jake T. Austin as Fernando, Linda and Tulio's adopted son[4]
  • Andy Garcia[4] as Eduardo, Jewel's father[5]
  • Jamie Foxx as Nico, a smooth and charismatic yellow canary that wears a bottle-cap hat, close friend to Pedro[4]
  • Rachel Crow as Carla, Blu and Jewel's music-loving, older daughter[4][5][7]
  • Pierce Gagnon[4] as Tiago, Blu and Jewel's youngest, mischievous, and only son[5]
  • Amandla Stenberg[4] as Bia, Blu and Jewel's intelligent, younger daughter[5]
  • Miguel Ferrer as Big Boss, the head of the illegal logging activity.
  • Janelle Monáe as Dr. Monae, a veterinarian[8]
  • Natalie Morales as a news anchor[4][9][10]
  • Bebel Gilberto as Eva, a keel-billed toucan and Rafael's mate[4]
  • Philip Lawrence as Felipe, a male scarlet macaw and the hostile leader of a tribe who has a rivalry and territorial dispute with the Spix's macaws[11]

Production[]

On January 25, 2012, while speaking to the Associated Press, Sérgio Mendes who co-wrote a song for the first film spoke about the sequel, saying: "I think the plan is for the movie to come three or four months before the World Cup. Fox has been talking about (it) and it looks like it's going to happen. We're going to have a meeting I think next week and Carlos is coming to town to tell us the story, and it looks like it's a go."[12] In April 2012, Deadline Hollywood reported that Jesse Eisenberg had signed up to reprise his role as Blu,[13] and Anne Hathaway had also signed on to reprise her role as Jewel.[14] In October 2012, Variety stated that Carlos Saldanha had officially signed a five-year deal with 20th Century Fox that allows him to helm live-action and/or animated films, with the sequel being part of that contractual agreement.[15]

Don Rhymer, screenplay writer of the first film, died on November 28, 2012 during the writing phase of the sequel, from head and neck cancer.[16] In January 2013, Rodrigo Santoro confirmed his return to voice ornithologist Tulio Monteiro, as well as hinting that the sequel's setting will involve the Amazon.[17] 20th Century Fox and Blue Sky unveiled the first teaser trailer at the annual Las Vegas, Nevada CinemaCon on April 18, 2013.[18] On May 14, 2013, that same trailer was released online worldwide, and attached with Epic.[19] Entertainer Bruno Mars joined the cast as Roberto after director Carlos Saldanha caught his performance on Saturday Night Live. During production, Mars offered his own personal touches that better shaped his character's physical appearance, personality, and voice.[20]

Release[]

The film was released to international theaters on March 20, 2014.[21] The film's premiere was held in Miami, Florida on March 20, 2014.[22] The film was released in the United States on April 11, 2014.[23]

Marketing[]

Under the supervision of 20th Century Fox—with director Carlos Saldanha and music composer John Powell—the film's natural hometown of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil used the film as a tie-in promotion for the 2014 New Year's Eve celebration at Copacabana Beach.[24]

Three of four Angry Birds Rio episodes — all visually tied to Rio 2 — have been released.[25] The first, "Rocket Rumble", was released in December 2013,[26] the second, "High Dive", in February 2014,[27] and the third, "Blossom River", in April 2014.[28] In April 2014, Kohl's began selling Blu, Gabi, and Luiz plush toys as a part of their Kohl's Cares merchandise program.[29]

Home media[]

Rio 2 was released on Blu-ray (2D and 3D) and DVD on July 15, 2014.[30] The Target exclusive comes with a Blu plush toy.[31] A limited sing-along edition of the film was released on Blu-ray and DVD on November 4, 2014.[32][33]

Reception[]

General response[]

Despite receiving mixed reviews from film critics, the film was positively welcomed from audience who praised it for its animation, story, humor, emotional weight, soundtrack, the Nigel's subplot (with many saying that his character has been improved in this film), the character development, the character Gabi and the climax, with many considering it even better than the first film.

Box office[]

Rio 2 grossed $131,538,435 in North America, and $368,188,435 in other territories, for a worldwide total of $500,188,435, surpassing its predecessor.[3] In North America, the film earned $12 million on its opening day,[63] and opened to number two in its first weekend, with $39,327,869, behind Captain America: The Winter Soldier.[64] In its second weekend, the film dropped to number three, grossing an additional $22,159,742.[65] In its third weekend, the film dropped to number three, grossing $13,881,457.[66] In its fourth weekend, the film dropped to number five, grossing $7,711,952.[67] Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment donated $100,000 to WWF to support conservation efforts in the Amazon.[68]

Accolades[]

Awards
Award Category Recipients and nominees Result
British Academy Children's Awards[69] BAFTA Kids Vote – Feature Film Nominated
Annie Awards[70][71] Outstanding Achievement, Character Design in an Animated Feature Production Sang Jun Lee, Jason Sadler, and José Manuel Fernández Oli Nominated
Outstanding Achievement, Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production John Hurst Nominated
Outstanding Achievement, Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production Rodrigo Perez-Castro Nominated
Outstanding Achievement, Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production Andy García as the voice of Eduardo Nominated
Kids' Choice Awards[72] Favorite Animated Movie Nominated
People's Choice Awards[73] Favorite Family Movie Nominated
Visual Effects Society Awards[74] Outstanding Animation in an Animated Feature Motion Picture Carlos Saldanha, Bruce Anderson, John C. Donkin, and Kirk Garfield Nominated
Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature Motion Picture Gabi – Jason Sadler, Ignacio Barrios, Drew Winey, and Diana Diriwaechter Nominated
Satellite Awards[75] Best Original Song "What is Love" – Janelle Monáe Nominated
Hollywood Film Awards[76] Hollywood Song Award Won

Music[]

Soundtrack[]

A soundtrack for the film was released on March 25, 2014, by Atlantic Records.[77][78] It was promoted by the single "What Is Love", performed by Janelle Monáe.[79] The Barbatuques performed the song "Beautiful Creatures" as part of the closing ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.[80]

Track listing
No. Title Performers Length
1. "What Is Love" Janelle Monáe 3:31
2. "Rio Rio" (featuring B.o.B) Ester Dean 2:41
3. "Beautiful Creatures" Barbatuques, Andy García, and Rita Moreno 2:07
4. "Welcome Back" Bruno Mars 1:08
5. "Ô Vida" Carlinhos Brown and Nina De Freitas 1:47
6. "It's a Jungle Out Here" (featuring Uakti; Brazilian Version) Philip Lawrence 3:59
7. "Don't Go Away" (featuring Uakti) Anne Hathaway and Flavia Maia 2:38
8. "Batucada Familia" Carlinhos Brown, Siedah Garrett, Jamie Foxx, Rachel Crow, Amy Heidemann, Andy García, and Rita Moreno 2:42
9. "Poisonous Love" Kristin Chenoweth and Jemaine Clement 3:30
10. "I Will Survive" Jemaine Clement and Kristin Chenoweth 1:51
11. "Bola Viva" Carlinhos Brown 3:22
12. "Favo De Mel" Milton Nascimento 3:08
13. "It's a Jungle Out Here" Philip Lawrence 4:00
14. "What Is Love" Janelle Monáe, Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Jamie Foxx, and Carlinhos Brown 2:43
Total length: 39:07

Charts[]

Chart (2014) Peak

position

US Billboard 200[81] 124
US Soundtracks[82] 4

An additional album featuring John Powell's original score was released on April 8, 2014 by Sony Classical.[83]

v - e - d
Rio-51df0e7350937
Media
Films: RioRio 2

Games: Rio Multiplayer Party GameRio: The Video GameAngry Birds RioDisney Infinity: 2.0 Edition

Characters
Films: BluJewelRafaelNicoPedroLuizLinda GundersonTulio MonteiroFernandoCarlaBiaTiagoEvaEduardoRobertoNigelMarmosetsMauroMarcelTipaArmandoGabiCharlieBig BossFelipe

Angry Birds Rio: RedThe BluesChuckMatildaBombTerenceHalBubblesStellaMighty EagleMinion PigsForeman Pig

Locations
Rio de Janeiro
Songs
See also


v - e - d
Blue Sky Studios New 2023-presnet
Theatrical films
Ice Age (2002) • Robots (2005) • Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006) • Horton Hears a Who! (2008) • Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009) • Rio (2011) • Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012) • Epic (2013) • Rio 2 (2014) • The Peanuts Movie (2015) • Ice Age: Collision Course (2016) • Ferdinand (2017) • Spies in Disguise (2019)
Cancelled films
Nimona (2023)
Short films
Bunny (1998) • Gone Nutty (2002) • Aunt Fanny's Tour of Booty (2005) • No Time for Nuts (2006) • Surviving Sid (2009) • Scrat's Continental Crack-up (2010) • Scrat's Continental Crack-up: Part 2 (2011) • Umbrellacorn (2013) • Cosmic Scrat-tastrophe (2015) • Scrat: Spaced Out (2016) Western Walden (2023)
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