Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this animated adventure is colorful, musical, and romantic. There are a couple of frightening characters -- most notably a scary white cockatoo who relishes harming his fellow birds -- and a few bird smugglers (though most of them are dimwitted and not nearly as cold-blooded as their hench-bird). A couple of birds try to give the main character advice on how to attract his potential mate, and there are many sightings of men and women in skimpy/skin-tight Carnival costumes. Both the main lovebirds and their owners fall in love, so there are a few scenes of flirting and embracing, plus one brief kiss or nuzzle. Characters also use some insulting words, such as "idiots," "stupid," "losers," and "shut up." Linda and Jewel are strong, selfless female characters who are willing to put themselves at risk for freedom (and their loved ones), and kids and parents will learn a good bit about Brazilian customs, particularly Carnival, and what makes Rio such a unique place. Note: The movie is playing in 3-D in some theaters, which makes some scenes more vivid/intense.
Sexual
Content
Many animated women (and men) are scantily and provocatively dressed in Carnival costumes (bikini-clad bottoms are prominent in some scenes). Tulio and Linda flirt with each other and eventually hug and kiss (once, briefly). Same for Jewel and Blu, who spend most of the movie chained together but grow to have feelings for each other. There are a couple of jokes about mating and continuing the species, but younger kids won't get them. There are also jokes about how everyone in Rio dresses in barely there costumes. Nico and Pedro try to give Blu advice about how to seem attractive to Jewel.
Violence
Human smugglers trap and steal various exotic birds (chaining them together in cages), but it's white cockatoo Nigel who's most likely to upset kids. He's very mean and nasty, getting a group of small monkeys to help him by threatening to throw them from great heights and watch them plunge to their deaths (he drops one as an example but saves him at the last minute). The monkeys and birds fight at a party, but no weapons are used. Nigel also chases the macaws and their friends, and he squeezes or stamps on other birds. He sings a scary song about being evil, and he's called a cannibal for eating a chicken wing in front of the other birds.
Language
Occasional use of insulting language like "idiots," "stupid," "useless," "dumb," "losers," "butt," and "shut up."
Social
Behavior
The movie has plenty of positive messages about broadening your horizons, believing in yourself, helping others even when it's dangerous, and caring for the beautiful animals in our midst instead of stealing and selling them for profit. The subplot with Fernando also teaches viewers that no matter how difficult your life is, you can still make good choices and turn your life around.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Not applicable
