[Review XN] Film 25: DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD

"You know the jungle, that's a part of you. But exploring isn't a game, and you don't look before you leap. "

Together with Spongebob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer is one of the most popular animated series in Indonesia in the 2010s. Not only does it make the audience like them to repeat their flagship dialogues such as "Swiper, don't steal!" Or sing the closing song "success, success, hooray!", This series also creates trends in the form of bob-style bob-style hair, purple backpacks, until everything trinkets loved by little women. Yes, Dora the Explorer is indeed counted as a phenomenal series and this is not only true in Indonesia but also its home country, the United States, where the series has the longest episode in the history of the Nick Jr. canal. Given its achievements in terms of creating a mass of supporters, it is not surprising then that senior studio officials in Hollywood were interested in translating it into a widescreen movie with live action format even though this decision invited a big question mark. How do you adapt a series that functions as an educational program for children (especially in learning Spanish) into a feature film that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages? Nothing, the big screen version of Dora the Explorer titled Dora and the Lost City of Gold sounded like an impossible mission until later I looked at myself the end result which turned out to be oh apparently ... very entertaining!

In Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Dora is no longer a 7-year-old girl as we know it but has grown into a teenager (played by Isabela Moner). Even so, the characteristics and their behavior did not show significant changes. He still has a cheerful, optimistic, and brave personality. While inhabiting "huts" in the interior of Peru with her parents (Eva Longoria and Michael Pena), Dora often spends time: 1) devouring books belonging to her parents who work as archaeologists, and 2) exploring the forest with her pet monkeys, Boots , for the sake of discovering new adventures. In a way, Dora doesn't live her life properly because she doesn't have peers either. The opportunity for Dora to get to know another life finally came when her parents planned an expedition to uncover an ancient civilization in the form of the lost golden city of Parapata. Instead of taking him along, they actually left Dora with their relatives in Los Angeles who have a son of the same age as Dora, Diego (Jeff Wahlberg). Guided by Diego who grew up as a teenager, Dora also lived a high school life that was much wilder than his imagination. In the midst of his efforts to get a place in this new jungle, Dora suddenly got a call that required him to go to South America to find his parents who disappeared without a trace.

Did not bring much hope - except the prejudice that this film will be too childish - I was clearly surprised to find that Dora and the Lost City of Gold is the definition of "happy film". Yes, throughout the duration of the melody, I was endlessly chuckling, giving a smile, occasionally being touched, and sometimes also excited to follow his adventure to find Parapata. James Bobin (The Muppets, Alice Through Looking the Glass) as the director has resurrected the soul of a child in this self who has been snoring for a long time. Skeptical audiences might be wondering to hear my statement: whether to be able to enjoy this spectacle, we must think like children? Well, not really. The filmmaker has conditioned Dora and the Lost City of Gold to be watched by audiences of all ages although of course the impact given by this film will be more flavorful if you have ever watched the source material. One reason, Bobin used a number of references from Dora the Explorer to ignite laughter in the cinema. For example, have you ever thought why Swiper the thief who is actually a fox should wear a mask when in action? Or, have you ever noticed that Dora's habit of interacting directly with the audience (in the form of "knocking down the fourth wall") or humming would feel strange if applied to real life?

By Dora and the Lost City of Gold, all the characteristics of Dora that we know are used as joke material that is good that never feels degrading the source material. For me as an adult audience who happened to have witnessed several episodes of the animated version, this was very funny and also smart. Moreover, Isabela Moner also presents an enchanting performance as Dora. I love the energy, the fun and the innocence. Seeing him in action with Boots in the forest, it was definitely fun. But the best part shown by Moner and the film is when the storytelling background takes the titular character into the jungle that he has never touched: high school. Dora's optimistic attitude that permeates the motto of life "be yourself" seems odd to the people around her ... and therein lies the pleasure of the film. I can assure you, it's hard not to fall in love and empathize with Moner who gives off an "likeable" aura. He can even make "disgusting" activities that are often disgusting when used as toilet jokes in movies so full of excitement that it makes me powerless to hum along while giving a smile. That is why once an ambitious cold-hearted student, Sammy (Madeleine Madden), finally melts in front of Dora, we are not surprised by her. Dora is as nice as that and Dora and the Lost City of Gold are as nice as that. The sensation of happiness that it presents really makes me want to repeat the experience of watching this film. FUN FUN FUN

Outstanding ( 4/ 5 )