THE ROAD TO EL DORADO

Rated PG for mild thematic material and language.
98 minutes running time
Dreamworks Pictures
Directed by Don Paul
Rating:

THE ROAD TO EL DORADO is a delightful tale that Renaissance enthusiasts will certainly enjoy. The story picks up in 1500s Spain with Cortez about to set sail for the New World. Two adventurers, Miguel and Tulio, set the flavor of the period with a friendly game of dice in which they win a treasure map to El Dorado. When their lucky streak¹ is exposed in loaded dice, things heat up and the fun begins. Their banter is characteristic of the Ren Faire stage and one can almost expect to be seated on a bale of straw rather than a comfortable theater seat. Swords and insults fly as the pair make their escape from pursuing foes only to find themselves out of the frying pan and into the fire.

El Dorado is like a ride. In fact if some amusement park can duplicate it, you can bet I¹ll be one of the first ones there. Tulio and Miguel¹s adventure in search of El Dorado leads them to many discoveries, not only about another place and culture, but about themselves as well. This is one movie that doesn¹t pull any groans. The story is good. The music and display of colors are pleasant indeed with landscapes that make you want to dive right into the screen. There¹s an interesting view of the Aztec culture and a good lesson of values to take home. Kids aren¹t going to be the only ones to enjoy this one.