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Two Spanish con men win a map to the legendary city of gold, but when they reach El Dorado, things don’t go according to plan.

Genres: Children & Family Movies

Actors: Jim Cummings, Kenneth Branagh, Frank Welker, Rosie Pérez, Kevin Kline, Armand Assante, Edward James Olmos, Tobin Bell, Duncan Marjoribanks, Elton John

Directors: Bibo Bergeron, Don Paul

Runtime: 1h29m

Available Since: April 14, 2015

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A top tier animated film from Dreamworks!

Bibo Bergeron and Don Paul’s animated adventure comedy The Road to El Dorado (2000) celebrates native culture, history, adventure, love, and above all, friendship in an entertaining odyssey. Bibo and Don’s direction is remarkably swift with a succinct 89 minute run-time thanks to Vicki Hiatt’s creative cuts and pertinent editing. They let scenes play out emotionally with genuine drama and sincere tenderness towards their characters.

The Road to El Dorado remains one of Dreamworks’ greatest pictures and displays of hand drawn animation. It was unfairly panned by critics and ignored by audiences largely, which is ridiculous as Dreamworks’ animation is excellent. The motion of characters flailing about is so smooth and their linework looks pristine. The water crashing around and vivid colors look particularly wonderful in The Road to El Dorado.

Disney obviously covered this territory before, but Dreamworks’ The Road to El Dorado remains a childhood favorite of mine that truly held up. I still laugh along to writers Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio’s hilarious jokes. They tell the story of two Spaniard con artists who embark upon an unlikely adventure to search for the lost city of gold: El Dorado. They set the film during the time of the Spanish conquistador Cortes for frightening results, while affectionately portraying native people as kind, welcoming humans with complex culture and rich history. I appreciate Elliott and Rossio’s themes of devoted friendship, understanding cultures, learning lessons, forgetting wealth, and standing up for the common man. All important ideas for kids to learn from this outstanding children’s movie.

Elton John’s songs make The Road to El Dorado’s a blissful adventure. You can actually sing along because of Elton’s memorable melodies and Tim Rice’s thoughtful lyrics. Hans Zimmer’s epic score brings together symphonic grandeur with sweet world music for a powerful sonic synthesis. Zimmer will give you chills, then Elton will sweep you away on a friendly journey.

Kenneth Branagh is hilarious and endearing as the dim witted, yet earnest conman Miguel with his love of people and experiences. His chemistry with Kevin Kline as the clever and greedy Tulio is sublime! Branagh and Kline absolutely elevate The Road to El Dorado into a brilliant comedy. Miguel and Tulio are phenomenal characters because they are flawed and grow as men and friends due to their good nature and trust in each other. Rosie Perez is wonderful as the sly Chel. Her playful and sultry voice makes Chel a very fun leading lady and love interest for Kline’s Tulio.

Armand Assante is impressive as the devious villain Tzekel-Kan. Edward James Olmos is pleasant as the warm Chief in his understanding nature. Jim Cummings is fearsome as the imposing Cortes. Frank Welker is very funny as the expressive horse Altivo. Tobin Bell delivers a funny supporting role as Zaragoza. Elton John masterfully narrates The Road to El Dorado.

In all, The Road to El Dorado boasts a wealth of crafty animation, charming characters, fantastic music, and talented voice actors for a splendid thrill ride that will keep you smiling.

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Review

One of my favorites...

One of the few more-modern animated films I still enjoy; maybe that's because it doesn't happen to revolve around "The power of friendship/love/whatever" and isn't some sappy love story, like many of Disney's drek has been (though it does have a minor, slightly sleazey love-ish story in the background). Dreamworks is a breath of fresh air in times like these, it would seem.

The plot works on many levels; it's straightforward enough for the general kid to understand and enjoy, but is piled under levels of wit and more jokes that rely on understanding more of it, making it balanced and still funny the 150+th time I watch it.

The songs are catchy (as can be well-expected from the good man Elton John), the characters are lovable yet total sleazeball con-men, and the humour is on many levels; and with it, it brings many good, memorable lines ("'For three days?!' 'YES! Don't even breathe!'" and "'You're buying your own con!' 'At least I'm not DATING mine!' '... oooh, low blow.'" come to mind).

As a basic rundown, there's Miguel, the fun-loving, more light-hearted of the two con-men; he tends to appreciate the beauty in fun and people. Tulio, the other half of the duo, has a bit more preoccupation with material possessions and wealth, though he still remains human. Then there's Chel; the seducer from the city of gold, able to help the two (at a price). And our main antagonist? Tzekel Khan (spelling unsure), a rather nutsy high priest and speaker for the gods, who proves to be... well, a basket case.

The animation pulls itself off well; the movie is bright and colourful, but not a kiddie flick at all- rather, it's humorous on all scales- my friend's 6-year-old-brother, I, and my 55-year-old dad agree. The Road to El Dorado is enjoyable on all accounts. If nothing else, consider renting it.

• demonelipso
• Aug 27, 2006

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