The Road To El Dorado (Animated) (DVD)

...my videos and DVDs all the time, I have to succumb to my children's wishes once in a while and watch one of their movies. Usually this involves freeing some willy (Oeeeerrr), watching a cat and a dog go on a long journey, or seeing how a 'toy' can come to life!

Well, in order to maintain the family peace I decided to watch Road to Elderado with my kids.

<Introduction>


Around 1519, Hernan ...
...the way, he began to learn of a 'City of Gold'. Drawing on this fantastic voyage, and the myths of this 'City of Gold' Dreamworks have created their latest masterpiece.

<The Movie>

The Road to Elderado tells the tale of two Spanish con artists Miguel (Kenneth Branagh) and Tulio (Kevin Kline), who manage to swindle their way into trouble and end up as unwitting stowaways on Cortes' ship.

After managing ... more

As much as I would like to watch my videos and DVDs all the time, I have to succumb to my children's wishes once in a while and watch one of their movies. Usually this involves freeing some willy (Oeeeerrr), watching a cat and a dog go on a long journey, or seeing how a 'toy' can come to life!

Well, in order to maintain the family peace I decided to watch Road to Elderado with my kids.

<Introduction>

Around 1519, Hernan Cortes started to explore Mexico. While defeating several tribes along the way, he began to learn of a 'City of Gold'. Drawing on this fantastic voyage, and the myths of this 'City of Gold' Dreamworks have created their latest masterpiece.

<The Movie>

The Road to Elderado tells the tale of two Spanish con artists Miguel (Kenneth Branagh) and Tulio (Kevin Kline), who manage to swindle their way into trouble and end up as unwitting stowaways on Cortes' ship.

After managing to escape our heroes manage to locate 'El Dorado' and after a lucky coincidence involving an exploding volcano that suddenly stops exploding, they become revered as Gods. They just happen to fulfill certain prophecy about the coming of the Gods.

Tzekel-Kan (Armand Assante), a scheming priest who uses Black Magic continually tests the 'Gods' resolve with his blood thirst for sacrifice. He wields his power against the people proclaiming that it is the God's will.

Chel (Rosie Perez), a spunky girl who is initially saved by the heroes realizes they are not Gods and understands their only interest is in the abundant gold. As this is also her interest she decides to help out and try and keep their identity secret. She also happens to fall in love with one of our heroes.

The heroes face many challenges as their greed is slowly replaced by a compassion for the people, as they try and save the city from the greed of Cortes and the corruption of Tzekel-Kan.

We see each of the Heroes change as one falls in love with the city and the other falls in love with Chel.

The pair of heroes move through the many challenges, such as the basketball type game, with a combination of luck and skill. They seem undaunted by the dangers they face as they continually head towards their goals.

The movie moves towards a predictable ending as all elements merge together towards a tumultuous climax.

<My Opinion>

The animation of the movie is outstanding. With beautiful scenery, excellent animated characters and clever and intriguing 'camera' angles the movie adds to the impressive Dreamworks collection. Some of the almost 3-dimensional scenes are amazing as you feel yourself drawn into the movie. My only criticism, and perhaps one of a male perspective, is that Chel was a little too sexy for a children's movie!

The music is typical for these types of adventure-animated movies. Elton John gives the movie a 'larger than life' feel as he belts out some of the songs. I felt that the songs slowed the movie down a little, as they were like 'time-outs' rather than a continuation of the story; however my children did enjoy the music.

The story is varied and interesting, and although I felt it was predictable it is ideal for a children's movie. Although it didn't keep my interest all the way through, my children were fixed to the TV screen all the way through.

It is hard to comment on the acting as the voices merge with the animation to produce well rounded characters; I didn't actually recognize the actors until after I had watched the movie and then read the back of the video box!

The comedy elements in the movie were generally good; at times the comedy was subtle and perhaps would appeal more to adults than children (at least it gives adults something to watch out for). The action sequences were very well done, particularly some of the sword fighting scenes.

<Conclusion>

This is one of the better-animated movies around. As the world of animation becomes more sophisticated, with computers helping out, the directors are placing more emphasis on scenery and action. This is producing some very clever movies.

Additionally I note that many of the movies are concentrating on virtues and values and are trying to teach our children as they watch the movie.

I definitely advice parents to buy this video, it will keep your children quiet for a couple of hour!

 

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