Rating: Summary: Excellent! Review: As a MAJOR Disney fan from early on, I must say that I viewed this film with only moderate expectations. However, it delivered beautifully! For the most part, I've never cared a whole lot for the musical aspects of Disney-- and other children's-- films, but I have to say, I prefer Elton John's songs in this movie to Phil Collins' in Tarzan any day. I really enjoy "It's Tough to be a God" (sung by Miguel and Tulio) also, and that's rare, because as I said, I'm not big on songs in my movies. But this sequence is playful, colorful, and fun, with a great beat-- and you can dance to it!
I do take issue with the baring of the bottoms in one scene, and there were 2 or 3 cuss words in the film (mild ones, mind you) that I felt were unnecessary in a children's movie. Other reveiwers have pointed out the "suggested sex" scene, but I only viewed it as an off-camera make-out session, nothing more. Both characters were fully clothed, if not a little rumpled, and I see no reason to feel they were doing more.
I bought this movie for my niece, who is 6 years old now. She loves the movie now, but was very frightened by the Jaguar sequence when she was younger (3 or 4), and wouldn't watch the movie for a long time after the first viewing because of it. However, as an adult, I found the movie highly entertaining; Miguel and Tulio are a lot of fun, and I've even come around to Rosie Perez (Chel) thanks to this movie. At least in small doses. Chel was funny here, though, as was the banter between the two main characters (fantastic work by Kenneth Branagh and Kevin Kline). Fabulous voice work by everyone else as well (Armand Assante and Edward James Olmos were great!).
When it came out, this movie was up against The Emperor's New Groove. In my mind, this blows The Emperor out of the water, though that movie was enjoyable enough (rather cartoony for a Disney feature, but it got better on the second viewing).
In closing, The Road to El Dorado is gorgeous, funny, and entertaining, and I highly recommend it-- at least for those over 4 or 5 years of age. I believe Dreamworks really gave Disney a run for their money on this one.
Rating: Summary: This is Not A Child's Movie Review: There are loads of underlying adult themes even though the overall moral of the story is excellent for children to learn about. There is a sexual scene, though not graphic, but I wouldn't want my children seeing it, especially in the light that it is portrayed in. There are scenes of drunken partying, the resulting hangover, and other tiny stuff like that.But do make a note of this: the movie is an excellent movie! It is hilarious, and is one of the rare cartoons that you can really dissect and discuss as if it were literature. The animation is excellent; I've never seen a cartoon so accurately portray human facial and body expression like this movie. You will appreciate how much detail is given to the animation, plot, and to the unity of the entire film: everything is explained. It's a definite must for your collection, but again, I would not recommend it for any child under 11.
Rating: Summary: It was a good movie but... Review: The movie was good but I have seen better but I do have it for keeps so this movie is about outlaws who trick people but then they go to Eldorado the City of Gold well you'll have to watch it to find out how it turns
Rating: Summary: Pay attention to rating - adult themes, but otherwise ok Review: It is nice to see that Disney has some competition. This is a solid 3 star movie of average entertainment value. The strength of the movie is repartee between the two main characters. The script design reminded me a little of a combination of the Sean Conneryand Michael Caine movie THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING and the Road movies done by Hope and Crosby only here they are Spanish warriors, not british warriors or american dandys. This is a movie that had enough action for my little kids and enough comedy for the older ones, like me. If you are looking for non-disney family fun also check out SWAN PRINCESS, BRAVE LITTLE TOASTER and the LAND BEFORE TIME.
Rating: Summary: Enjoyed, with reservations Review: I judge children's movies based on how eager I am to watch it again after what seems like the 50th viewing. El Dorado passes with flying colors. My husband and I enjoy watching it as much as my three year old does. I notice something new every time. The characters are believable, the story holds my attention and the music isn't too annoying. I give it only three stars because I think there are some aspects of the story that are too mature for little ones. It is rated PG, which I missed before I ordered it, due to some sexual situations and scary scenes. My daughter doesn't get the sexual references, but I could see a six year old asking some interesting questions.
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