DJ Reezey Review/Interview: RIO 2 Director Carlos Saldanha

Rio 2: Family Fun That’ll Make You Laugh, Dance & Think!

Carlos Saldanhas’ love for family is eye-poppingly evident in Rio 2

By Tinsel & Tine Blog Contributor: Rashaun “DJ Reezey” Williams

Take my word for it, Carlos Saldanha’s Rio 2 is certain to make your family do 3 things: laugh, dance and think! (Featuring the voices of : Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Kristin Chenoweth, Jamie Foxx & Miguel Ferrer).

In a colorful, 3D film about protecting the Amazon, Tulio Monteiro and Linda Gunderson are brave “tree huggers” working to protect endangered species and their habitats. In their time working as environmentalists, the couple saved and domesticated two bright blue birds, Blu and Jewel, an endangered Spix’s Macaws. After deciding to travel to the Amazon with their children Bia, Carla, and Tiago, as a way to get in touch with their tropical roots, Blu and Jewel take the rainforest, leaving the city life of Rio, and their great friends Tulio Monteiro and Linda Gunderson behind.

In their travels, Blu and Jewel meet a flock of Spix’s Macaws who have only been able to survive the plight of man by taking severe measures to stay hidden deep within the Amazon. Deforestation, illegal tree cutting, and much more has left the Spix’s Macaw an endangered species, and the film portrays that, showing the flocks drastic measures to stay alive as their homes are being pillaged through by humans. As they travel, they encounter many dangers, but dance their way through the Amazon, meeting what will soon become their new family.

To capture to spirit of Brazil, Carlos Saldanha traveled to Rio during Carnival for a week. Deluged in the arts, Carlos Saldanha made sure the #Rio2 never missed a beat. Full of rich Brazilian style music, Saldanha brought many local bands from Brazil into the film’s soundtrack to embody the rhythm of Rio.

“I cannot think about Brazil without thinking about music.

I knew the movie must have an element of music, I brought in talents that love

Brazil or have a connection to Brazilian music, into the film.”

From Brazilian bands who engage children from all over the city of Rio to learn music through body percussion, to famous musicians like Bruno Mars, Will.i.am and Janelle Monáe, the film’s soundtrack brought the best of both worlds to the big screen, only adding to the already visually appealing, colorful and vibrant animation. Even in the abundance of art, culture, and music the film displayed, caring for the environment held a deep underlying message in Rio 2 from start to finish.

To authenticate the experience of Rio, and the essence of family, Saldanha allowed his own children to voice characters in the film. Saldanha says…

“Whenever we go to screen or watch any of our films in theaters,

my children can often be found standing up
when they see their names in the end credits screaming ‘that’s me!’
while pointing at the screen.”

While in Brazil working to captivate the essence of the city, Saldanha and his family, just like Blu and his family, visited the Amazon rain forest for the 1st time…

“I almost felt like an intruder.
It’s one of the places that leaves you in awe, but you don’t feel like you belong there.

The coexistence is so perfect, and there’s a cycle of life that feels natural, but you’re not apart of that cycle. That’s what I wanted to portray in the movie; the message.

Don’t try to change the Amazon. Protect it.”

This is exactly what Tulio Monteiro and Linda Gunderson go out to do, searching for Blu and Jewel while fighting off the illegal timber traders as a family.

I loved the film! As a DJ, I often found myself going from tapping my armrest to the dynamite soundtrack. You, too, might find yourself kicking the chair in front of you as your feet dance to the Brazilian beats. As an econologist, I was on the edge of my seat hoping the illegal timber traders didn’t destroy the rainforest. You’ll laugh, you’ll dance, but more importantly, you’ll learn.

Rio 2 Opens April 11, 2014 – its on in the Amazon!

Thanks for reading! Until next time, I’m DJ Reezey® & that’s the DJ’s drop!™

T &T’s LAMB Score: 4.5 outta 5

Note: Interview was conducted at The
Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia to which Tinsel & Tine was
invited to chat with Carlos Saldanha.

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