(Archive) Animated movie of the day: The Road to El Dorado (2000)

Originally posted: January 13th, 2022 I mean, why not. Yesterday we went to the probably inaccurate future, now let's go to the definitely inaccurate past. And believe me, I could spend these 2000 characters and not cover half of the inaccuracies and anachronisms regarding mesoamerican cultures(and the European side of it too, even if costumes are still miles better than the crap you see in shows like Vikings), but here's the thing: this movie is fun enough that I don't really mind.

Honestly, while the animation is beautiful and there's some really impressive set pieces(including some inventive use of effects), the star of the show is the scoundrels that are the protagonist duo (eventually trio) through and through. You almost wish the movie was longer because they bounce from each other very naturally, every new situation being funnier than the last one.

I mean, this movie isn't taking itself seriously. It treats some fairly threatening scenarios with lighthearted silliness, manages to cram some out there adult humor(how did this fly as a family film is beyond me) and even the little drama there is solved by reaffirming the characters' love friendship.

Seriously, this is simply a fun ride that knows it's place and has a good time poking fun at adventure novels of the early XXth century. I wouldn't be surprised if many of it's inaccuracy is completely intentional too. Don't let it cloud your understanding of history but definitely have a laugh.

THE ROAD TO EL DORADO (2000)

"El Dorado"

dir. Eric "Bibo" Bergeron, Don Paul

Il Principe d'Egitto

Benvenuti o bentornati sul nostro blog. Nello scorso articolo abbiamo continuato a parlare di animazione, spostandoci però alla Pixar e discutendo del loro quarto lungometraggio animato, un’opera che amo profondamente, Monsters & Co. La storia è ambientata nella città di Mostropoli dove i mostri per avere l’energia necessaria a far funzionare tutto necessitano delle urla dei bambini. Per questo…

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The Road to El Dorado

Summary: Con artists Tulio (Kevin Kline) and Miguel (Kenneth Branagh) stumble across a map that leads them to the famed El Dorado, where they are mistaken for gods.

Fun, witty animated adventure with blatant homoeroticism and beautiful visuals even if some depictions (i.e. indigenous Mexicans) are dodgy.

Rating: 4/5

Photo credit: We Made This Network

The Road to El Dorado (2000)

It’s a real shame The Road to El Dorado isn’t just a sliver better. With memorable songs and another run through the story polisher, it could’ve been a film that endures, even a worthy adversary for the Disney films it's desperately trying to emulate. Despite this, the film has gained a cult audience and you can see why. It’s got nice visuals, likable characters and jokes that will make both young & old viewers laugh.

N’er do-wells Tulio (Kevin Kline) and Miguel (Kenneth Branagh) discover the fabled golden city, El Dorado, where they are mistaken for gods by the citizens. As they amass riches with the aid of Chel (Rosie Perez), a local who sees through their masquerade but decides she wants in, the con artists must evade the suspicion of high priest Tzejek-Khan (Armand Assante).

Miguel and Tulio (perhaps we should say Kline and Branagh) play off each other splendidly and there’s something very appealing about Chel. It can be difficult to create chemistry between animated characters, but El Dorado does it, a feat all the more impressive considering the three leads’ accents waver a lot. The romance between Tulio and Chel gets you excited and serves a purpose, unlike the songs, which are ok, but not memorable. They feel included because that’s what Disney was doing at the time. Somewhere out there is a better story about someone (or more than one person) arriving in a primitive society and being thrust into a position of leadership. This is a good placeholder for now.

Despite our protagonists being crooks, they're endearing. Maybe it’s the laughs they bring. It might be that they seem more down-on-their-luck than eager to steal. You can tell Miguel is falling in love with the local culture, so when El Dorado’s chief (voiced by Edward James Olmos) begins to suspect he isn’t at all divine, you understand why they aren’t immediately put to the test and then promptly executed. Looks like he became as fond of them as I was.

Largely grounded in reality, El Dorado makes a couple of strange choices here and there. Without giving too much away, magic is real, which creates all sorts of bizarre, unintended implications. Yes, it makes for a cool-looking climax, but was it necessary? More jokes, character development and moments where the trio interact with each other, or with the mythical civilization would’ve worked better.

Compared to Disney’s work in the ’90s, The Road to El Dorado doesn’t cut it. The songs are not memorable and the characters - fun as they are - aren't either. You'd also rank it below Dreamworks’ own The Prince of Egypt or some of the other off-beat animated films of the time (Antz for example). For its energy and humor, it still earns itself a recommendation. The Road to El Dorado is good. I won’t say special, but yes, good. (On DVD, February 19, 2018)

REST IN PEACE, HENRY RONO

We are all born onto this spinning orb, traveling at 1000 mph at the equator, with the pack of previously born moving through on the inside already up to speed. There are no head starts, my friends; we’re all coming from behind, in one fashion or another. So the only thing to do is to pick yourself up, slime yourself off, and get on with the chase. Perhaps nobody got on with the chase any more…

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பரிசுத்தர் இயேசு பிறந்தார் - Parisuthar Yesu Pirandhaar Lyrics

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