Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Rio 2, the sequel to 2011's hit animated adventure Rio, is another colorful, musical tribute to the natural beauty of Brazil, this time in the Amazon. Although the human threats are less scary here than in the original movie, there are now potentially frightening scenes of wild Amazon predators (jaguars, crocodiles, etc.) swallowing their prey. It's portrayed comically, but it may still upset some kids. Nigel, the vain villain from the original, is back, now with a poisonous frog sidekick who's more than willing to do his bidding. Still, despite the predator-prey scenes, this is a lively musical adventure that's perfect for families who enjoyed the first Rio.
Sexual
Content
Violence
Nigel has a one-track plan to poison and kill Blu. His beloved poisonous frog companion is always willing to donate her poison for the cause. The blue and red macaws threaten one another and engage in a winner takes all "turf war" that turns out to just be an aggressive game of soccer. In an extended scene, loggers fight the birds with cranes and other construction vehicles, while the birds peck and descend on them. The loggers also tie up Linda and Tulio and leave them to the elements. Lots of physical comedy and a sequence in which animals keep getting eaten/killed (albeit comically) by predators in the Amazon (but later those same animals are shown miraculously fine). The bad guys are creepy looking and mean.
Language
Insults like "idiot" and "stupid."
Social
Behavior
Plenty of positive messages, both environmental and personal. The story teaches kids the importance of the Amazon and keeping wildlife habitats safe from destruction and stresses the necessity of a close family and a home where you can be yourself. The movie also encourages viewers not to judge others by superficial differences, because characters who seem dangerous might not be and might actually be a friend or ally.
Consumerism
Rio has merchandise tie-ins to video games, apparel, and stuffed toys. One of the macaw kids listens to music on her iPod.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Adults are shown with champagne glasses.
