The Road to El Dorado (2000)

I'll tell you why so serious

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

I just couldn't get into it. Of course, it isn't based on anything, other than the myth of El Dorado. That said, it can't follow any previous plot or use main characters in any substantial way. The story line is creative but Hope/Crosby hooey. This could be retitled, "Two Funny Guys Go to El Dorado." I couldn't find any sparks here. Since El Dorado didn't exist, except on the side of an old Cadillac, one can't be critical of the truthfulness of the plot. The animation is adequate and fills the bill.

Some people often try comparing Dreamworks features to that of their biggest competitor Disney. Sometimes those comparisons are worthwhile with the likes of Antz and Bugs Life, but for the most part Dreamworks always create their own style of fun. One of the best films at showing this is Road to El Dorado, with a unique setting and a sense of adventure unlike any put to animation before.After winning a map to El Dorado in a fixed game of dice, Miguel (Branagh) and Tulio (Kline) search the city of gold. Part of the film follows their adventure, over land and sea to desperately find the legendary land. Many films would focus on just this part of the story, but luckily in this film it's only the first act. The rest of the film follows as the pair arrive in the city and deceive the city into thinking they're gods so that they can leave the city with as much gold as possible. It's like mixed Indiana Jones with a con film like the sting and remains funny the entire time.It succeeds at this through some very funny and memorable dialogue and visual gags. Whether you're a kid laughing at the horse dancing funnily or an adult laughing at the hidden meaning behind "Holy ship!" this film is funny for all ages. It packs in enough jokes to ensure that you'll get a good laugh for every scenes and keep the film fun throughout.But what really makes the film so funny is the two leads Miguel and Tulio. Miguel is the one who lusts for excitement and adventure, who sees El Dorado as the trip of a lifetime. Whilst Tulio wants as much money as possible, viewing El Dorado as a possible score of a lifetime. Alone they're interesting characters and fun to watch. But together they make one of the best animated pairings put to screen. In large part due to the lively camaraderie and great delivery from Branagh and Kline. This comes from both recording their lines in the same room rather than separately so they could better read of each others reactions. The film even has some great musical moments with a soundtrack by Elton John and Tim Rice (both of whom worked on the Lion King soundtrack). Sometimes it will just be used to add a greater sense of beauty when seeing the city and other times it will let the music take over to create some lively and exciting music sequences like 'The Trail We Blaze'.But whenever it's used you always get a good and memorable musical moment. It is purely a fun movie. It never tries to be serious or meaningful. Instead the film just lets us enjoy the jokes and embrace the adventure of the film. It's a shame this film never caught on more, as it really is one of Dreamworks best movies. Road to El Dorado is a film that is fun from start to finish thats good for all ages.

Don't be mislead by my title above. I have nothing against Disney, in fact I love Disney animation! I grow up with it.Back to El Dorado! This is one of the funniest animation I have seen. The characters Miguel and Tulio is as funny as hell and got amazing brotherhood! The beginning with them escaping from the guards until they landed on El Dorado island is so funny. I see bits of Aladdin similarities in those scenes.However after they reach El Dorado, things ain't so funny anymore. But the ball match certainly made up for the sudden lost of character development. That armadillo as the ball is haha~...Though there's some scene (naked butts and the intimate scene) are not for children. But hey, like I said, this is not Disney! It's Dreamworks! I am glad I found this one amidst a decade late. Give this one a try and it won't disappoint you!

There are many movies that you feel very good watching. This tops that list for me. The colors and the witty dialogues are a treat right from the opening song. Forget what the critics say about the movie, its the ride that you will cherish. And this movie will put you in the front seat! The movie is filled with songs, which is great for any animated film in my opinion.With memorable characters, smooth plot, music that makes you wanna sing along, and above all the animation that just hooks you to the screen is worth every minute of it. Unfortunate that this kind of movies are not coming these days.