World Cup fever this year translates into a deranged global interest in the exotic allure that Brazil inspires in outsiders. Musically driven and excessive in its delivery of cultural staples from the South American nation, the sequel to Blue Sky’s 2011 hit “Rio” can best be describe as a convoluted and colorful piece of forgettable animation. With a color palette that resembles what an explosion in the Skittles factory would like, the film attempts to pack many ideas in a package that seems unable to handle them.

After leaving his status as a pet, Blu (Jesse Eisenberg), lives with Jewel (Anne Hathaway) and their three children now fully adapted to Rio de Janeiro. The city life suits Blu, who is not fond of taking risks and spontaneous adventures. For Jewel, this is harder to accept, she feels like they have lost touch with nature and urges her partner to take a trip to the Amazon to reconnect with their inner wilderness. Reluctantly, Blu agrees based on the wise words of his Toucan friend Rafael (George Lopez) who lives by the phrase “Happy wife, happy life”. They embark on journey that introduces the audiences to colorful animated versions of the country’s landmarks and landscapes, until they arrive in the lush rainforest. Simultaneously there is a plot related to wildlife conservation that never fully sets in, but nevertheless is included as it was in the first one by the hand of Tulio (Rodrigo Santoro) and Linda (Leslie Mann).

Rio2-Screening

Carrying a ridiculous fanny pack Blu soon stands out as an outsider when he meets Jewel’s family and a huge community of other blue macaws. His father-in-law Eduardo (Any Garcia) rejects his domesticated ways, and would love for his daughter to be with Roberto (played by singer Bruno Mars). This is of course another subplot in which the hero must play soccer, learn the bird’s rituals, and prove himself to the tribe. As is saving the environment from illegal loggers and being accepted wasn’t enough, Blu has to fight off his long-time enemy the overly dramatic villain Nigel (Jemaine Clement) and his sidekicks. Give the bird a break for God’s sake. Couldn’t you save one of these underdeveloped tangents for a third film?

What rescues the film from completely getting lost in the jungle of failure are the efficient, and highly entertaining musical numbers. Pop-infused carioca rhythms that actually work with the fast-paced animation. Despite having an endless amount themes converging unsuccessfully, the solutions and twists are below basic and simplistic. In terms of the film’s comedic value, the greatest assets is the flamboyant and maniacal performances by Jemaine Clement as Nigel and his funky friend Gabi (Kristin Chenoweth) a poisonous pink frog who is in love with him. They become the most memorable part of a run-of-the-mill story; thanks to them and their show-stopping numbers the film is palatable. The rest of the cast is merely OK, but a few sassy jokes here and there from Tracy Morgan and Jamie Foxx, and the quirky charm of Eisenberg in the lead role cannot salvage what a madding screenplay creates.

Is expected that the little ones will fall for this, and understandably so. There is music, there are jokes, which sporadically work, there are numerous -really too many –characters, and the occasional and forced heartfelt moment that is designed to reminds us of family. If you really must get your Brazilian fix now, or if the kids are begging to be subjected to this, by all means go see. Otherwise, fly far away from Rio 2 and its all-consuming inclusive plot.

‘RIO 2’ is in theaters now, nationwide.

Rio2-</p> <blockquote><p>Poster