The Road to El Dorado (2000)

El Dorado isn't going to tug at your heart strings, but I thought the film was very entertaining from beginning to end. Migel and Tulio are unique characters and very lovable. I also liked the inclusion of some more adult themes, like the relationship between Tulio and Chel. The animation is great, very fluid with the inclusion of some computer graphic elements. I wish more animated films now-a-days had that kind of animation. The soundtrack is also very good. The musical numbers weren't especially memorable, but they didn't detract from the story and the instrumental music by Hans Zimmer and John Powell is fantastic. Overall, I would say The Road to El Dorado is a very underrated film.

I am going to put a disclaimer right of the bat and say that I am particularly biased towards this movie because it was a heart touching part of my childhood. I saw it at a time when cartoons, animations and fantastic storytelling were a big part of my life and the experience with this innovative creation holds a particular bond with me. Adventure cannot be better without "The trail we blaze" playing.The plot line derives directly from real life characters and early explorations of the new world by the European expeditionaries (Cortez). What makes it especially beautiful is that it fits a fictional and mythical subplot with a historic socio-political and cultural dynamic of the medieval age. The two lively and vivacious characters Miguel & Tulio are amid-st the center of havoc, fun and adventure to chart their way from imperial and civilized Spain to the new world. During the course they accidentally land up as captives in one of the expeditions of Cortez. As is the norm in children's classics they land up conveniently on the shores of the new world with a map for the greatest treasure the world had known. Needless to say with colourful animation, majestic soundtrack performed by (Sir) Elton John and a vivid brand of storytelling and situational comedies the path was packed full of adventure and excitement.The lessons to be picked up here are many. In my opinion it is one of those creations which reaches across time to deliver a message of good vs evil, lighted hearted and adventurous living vs power hungry and cruel ambitions. Not that one value is better than the other but we may sometimes have tendencies to overemphasize the latter over the former. Even though superstitious, the peaceable nature of the natives is put up in stark contrast to the violent explorers. Many character virtues are put up for contrast. First between the protagonists, the gentle, adventurous and kind hearted Miguel and the worldly, greedy and practical Tulio; and then between the skeptic, affable, grounded, wise and portly chief with the lean, mean, cold-hearted and divine priest. All these portrayals served to provide a distinct contrast for people to judge and develop value systems.Further full of playful innuendos and colourful artistry it can be appreciated over a range of age groups. I would definitely sit for another viewing any time.

After seeing countless GIFs on Tumblr and then coming across the title on a list of "underrated animated films," I finally acquired The Road to El Dorado and watched it last night.Without beating around the bush, by the time the credits scrolled, I was a little disappointed. Granted, I propose that my lackluster reaction is somewhat unjustified because I knew virtually nothing about the film before watching it and therefore wasn't really expecting anything in particular; my only prior knowledge was the basic plot executed by Dreamworks in an unmistakable Disney-like visual style.There were a few things throughout the entire ninety-minute run that I couldn't help but question; like how the main antagonist's magic was never really explained, Miguel's immediate forgiveness of Tulio (who learned no explicit lessons), and a couple of anti-climaxes here and there, particularly in the end when the Big Bad is defeated after a rushed action sequence with no formal confrontation to the protagonists.In fact, that's a good word to describe the entire film: "rushed." The plot progression was executed comprehensibly, but it was just a little fast and lazy, and there were quite a few plot Macguffins that were painfully obvious. Most notable the horse, who regularly committed to actions and executions better than the humans did.Not to mention that I was put under the strong impression that the movie is just an instant-rice mish-mash of all kinds of clichés. For example, the main protagonist was certainly a Starscream to some notable extent. The behaviors of Miguel and Tulio were typical Cane/Able-esque. The whole "liar reveal" thing was the main driving plot of the story, and of course, we've seen that type of storytelling a thousand times over in movies. However.The fact that Miguel and Tulio's lie was never actually revealed to the village made the premise significantly less cliché since the ending wasn't exactly typical of the plot...at the same time, it made it pretty much anti-climactic, so I'm torn.Despite my gripes, though, I can't help but find myself really liking, if not loving, the movie simply because the characters are brilliant. Miguel and Tulio, along with Chel...all of them are wonderful and have great chemistry. If the plot itself is lazy, then the characters are more than enough to captivate the audience.Not to mention, the comedy was extremely successful. I got a really good laugh out of the film quite a few times, and that rarely happens with me.I'd recommend it, but rent it before you buy it. It's a movie that's good to add to your cinematic arsenal.

This movie is quite impressive with the animation, use of color and cast of characters. It's bright, delightful and humorous. Even though the plot is pretty basic in it's dramaturgy, it's still fully enjoyable.It might not be considered a kids movie (At least not under the age of 10) because of the sexual innuendos, and mild violence (scenes with blood etc.) But it might as well appeal to them seeing how Dreamworks wanted to give it captive bright colors and Disney-like animation style.The characters though, have hints of stereotypical personalities which almost seems forced to fit the plot. But the way they're portrayed with appearance and how they interact with the rest of the characters, makes up for it. Because the characters tends to have a stereotypical approach, their actions can be anticipated which helps to build up the plot, even if it's a tad bit obvious at times. I really enjoy the characters Tulio and Miguel however. This red and blue duo gives the movie a comedic touch which is fun to watch.The musical pieces all have a nice touch of atmosphere in them. It describes the present plot and co-operates effectively with the feeling of the scene it appears in.Looking at it as a whole, it's a fantastic movie which still makes people laugh, and with it's great set of characters and music it can still entertain people as much as it did when it first came out. I recommend this to any classic 2D fans!