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One Movie Punch


Aug 28, 2019

Hi everyone!

If you had told me that I would absolutely love a “Dora The Explorer” feature length film, I would have told you something that you would never hear on an episode of the show. Because of the profanity, you see. And yet, there I found myself, seated next to One Movie Spouse, taking in an afternoon showing of what might be one of the best films you’ll see all year. And while I was getting ready to write the review, a suspicious reviewer wearing a hastily constructed eye mask that looks a lot like One Movie Spouse took it from my hands. One might even say swiped it. She’ll be up in a minute with the review, but for a few other films in this genre, check out “Tomb Raider” (Episode #461) and “Aquaman” (Episode #366).

Before the review, we’ll have a trailer for “Preacher Six”, a crowdfunded venture by Kyle D. Hester in its final funding push. If you want to contribute to this project, head over to gofundme.com/preachersixfinalfilmcampaign and give at any level. You can get some sweet incentives, like having your name listed in the credits for the final film. Be sure to follow the film on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @preachersix. That’s six spelled out.

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Here we go!

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<< PREACHER SIX PROMO >>

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Hello, It’s me Amy, aka one Movie Spouse, back for another review. ::MWAH::

Today’s film was SO much fun I can hardly contain my excitement! Yes, REALLY! Looking for a family friendly film where you can laugh out loud and experience some Indiana Jones-esque adventures? Today’s film meets those criteria. ENJOY! Let me know what you think of this series reboot on Twitter @OneMovieSpouse. 

Let’s get this review rolling.... Vámanos!

Today’s movie is “Dora And The Lost City Of Gold”, the live-action comedy film directed by James Bobin and written for the screen by Matthew Robinson and Nicholas Stoller, based on a story by Tom Wheeler, which of course is based on the series “Dora the Explorer”, created by Chris Gifford, Valerie Walsh, and Eric Weiner. Dora (Isabela Moner) is sent to live with her cousin Diego (Jeff Wahlberg) while her parents are searching for Parapata, or the Lost City of Gold. However, an evil organization kidnaps Dora, Diego, and two other friends, taking them on an action-filled adventure with plenty of laughs. And jungle puzzles! 

No spoilers!

In anticipation of this film my questions were simple: “How will they do it? Can the writing team bring the animated series to life? And will it be worth watching?” The answers to these questions are yes, yes, and YES! The writing team, director, and animators did a fantastic job bringing the beloved “Dora the Explorer” series to the big screen. Several franchises have tried over the years to make the leap to the big screen, but not many succeed as well as this film. “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” had just the right blend of catch phrases, use of the fourth wall breaks, and providing educational animal and habitat information, without being overdone or cliché.

One of things that I enjoy about Dora is her positive can-do attitude when learning or trying new things! People can learn a lot just by following her example. Bringing an animated character to life is more than just casting and wardrobe. What made Dora’s character so likeable was her innocence and naivete to things outside her home environment. I mean, she was living in a South American jungle with her explorer parents for 16 years! When she goes to Los Angeles to visit Diego and her family, you can see the culture shock being around so many different people, as well as not being familiar with cultural norms and expectations. Her adjustment to life in the city, and Diego’s mixed feelings about his cousin joining his high school, add richness to the story and allow viewers to feel for both of them. It makes the franchise feel both new and familiar.

This film had just the right amount of nostalgia and nods to the original TV series. Swiper the Fox (Benicio Del Toro) was in the film and snuck in and out of the film just as he did on TV. When on screen, he added comic relief without de-railing the action. I was tickled to see Dora using her knowledge and learning to rely once again on her “friends” Map and Backpack. And of course, when in doubt, sing a song, and she does on her adventures all the way!

Finally, the action scenes in this film were amazing. I felt like I was watching “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”, not just a “kids’ film”, full of danger and jungle puzzles that require teamwork and problem-solving skills. So much so, I could see a live-action series reboot with Dora taking the audience on more world-wide adventures.

“Dora And The Lost City Of Gold” is a family friendly live-action comedy film sure to delight audiences of all ages. It blends the old and new to create a solid base for a multi-film franchise. Lovers of action films, and fans of the TV series will surely want to catch this film!

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% (CERTIFIED FRESH)

Metacritic: 63

One Movie Punch: 8.5/10

“Dora And The Lost City Of Gold” (2019) is rated PG and is currently playing in theaters.