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DORA AND THE SEARCH FOR SOL DORADO

Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado is a family-friendly, adventurous live action film that captures the essence of the iconic show Dora the Explorer. Most notably, the acting of Dora (Samantha Lorraine) and Diego (Jacob Rodriguez), the unique, ancient set designs and the film's homage to certain elements of the original show are what make this movie worthwhile.

The film follows Dora, an ambitious explorer who goes on a treacherous journey in the Amazon to search the mythical site of Sol Dorado alongside her friends and family. They must face the dangers that lurk in the wild forest and the enemies that cross their paths in search of ancient treasure. Ultimately, their goal is to navigate Sol Dorado before their enemies wreak havoc.

The main cast members are Dora (Samantha Lorraine), Diego (Jacob Rodriguez), Naiya (Mariana Garzón Toro) Sonny (Acston Luca Porto), Camilla the Crusader (Daniella Pineda), and Boots (Gabriel Iglesias). Samantha Lorraine accurately emulates Dora through her ability to resemble her cartoony mannerisms and by maintaining a bubbly and optimistic personality. As she portrays a teenage version of Dora, she still captures her timeless, childlike spirit in addition to adding a level of maturity. More so, her performance pays tribute to the original source material all while adding her own flair to the character. Whenever she interacts with her co-star Jacob Rodriguez, who plays Diego, their relationship feels close and authentic as they have great chemistry with each other. Additionally, Gabriel Iglesias who voices Boots acts as the comedic relief in the film. His hilarious voice acting and his conversations with his best friend, Dora, add to the heart of the movie. Even the use of CGI for Boots is flawless as he appears both realistic and animated at the same time. The color grading is quite fitting as there are yellow and orange tints of color that enhance the film. The car chases and action sequences that involve Dora, her cohorts and the enemies, are well choreographed, especially when Daniella Pineda and her stunt double perform Camilla the Crusader's stunts and fight scenes - they are achieved with great finesse and panache. The set design is intricately constructed and immersive; the use of practical effects like the caves and the booby traps add to the story's believability.

The film's message urges viewers to recognize the importance of teamwork when facing trials and tribulations.

I give Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado 4.0 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado is available Paramount + and Nickelodeon beginning July 2, 2025.

By Ilana O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

This film is exhilarating! Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado is an adventure comedy that is both exciting and thrilling. I like that it is nostalgic and uses many references from the original series. Lastly, I like that both Spanish and English are used throughout the film.

The story follows Dora (Samantha Lorraine) and her cousin Diego (Jacob Rodriguez) who have been explorers their whole lives in their jungle home. On Dora's ongoing search for Sol Dorado, she finds all kinds of ancient tools and treasures to help her on her quest. But where she finds clues she finds trouble and becomes caught in a race against her childhood idol (Daniella Pineda) and a group of vicious mercenaries. Dora embarks on a journey with Diego, his ex (Mariana Garzon Toro), and her younger brother Sonny (Acston Luca Porto).

This film is marvelous. I love the bond that grows between the characters and the fact that it is a thrilling and exciting story. I like that each character has its own strengths and contributes to each puzzle. This film is also very nostalgic and adds bits of the original series to the movie - like Dora breaking the fourth wall as she talks to the viewers as well as playing the original song at the end of the credits. Another thing I like is that both English and Spanish are used throughout the film. By doing this, the film is more accessible and interesting for people of varying backgrounds. I also like that this film teaches viewers about Incan culture and history. My favorite part is the fight scene in the tomb with Camila and the mercenary because it is tense, exciting and well-choreographed. My favorite character is Naiya because she is pessimistic, but smart and very resourceful.

The film's message is that teamwork and friendship can help you to achieve your goals. There are also themes of redemption and unconditional support, even when loved ones' dreams differ from yours.

I give Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can find it on Paramount Plus and Nickelodeon starting July 2, 2025.

By Josephine K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I did not enjoy Dora And The Search For Sol Dorado because the story feels too fast paced and the reasons that Camila The Crusader (Daniella Pineda), is the main villain are very unclear.

This film celebrates the 25th anniversary of Dora the Explorer. The storyline follows a 16-year-old version of Dora (Samantha Lorraine), who loves to explore. She explores a place in the jungle and loses her map, but finds a key. Dora's cousin, Diego, shows her where her favourite explorer works and she starts working there and befriends the tour bus driver, Naiya (Mariana Garzon Toro). Dora and Diego find a mythical bracelet, which leads them to trouble and they go to where Naiya and their adventure through the Amazonian jungle begins.

I like the combination of live action and animation. Boots The Monkey (Gabriel Iglesias) and Camilla's pet fox are well animated; they look real, even though they are not. I was not so impressed by the actors' performances, but there are many funny parts in the film. The backgrounds look very magical which fits in with the story. Since the film takes place in Colombia, they speak Spanish part of the time, like the people that live there. Another thing that I like is that Naiya and her brother Sonny (Acston Luca Porto) represent a sibling bond that I can connect with myself. While they show playful rivalry you can tell how much they care for each other. I found Dora's behavior toward Diego rude and did not like that she does not listen to Diego, but focuses on the adventure.

The story's message is keep on going even if you're going through a hard time you still have time to change it.

I give Dora And The Search For Sol Dorado 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It releases on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon July 2, 2025.

By Madison M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

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In this brand-new family movie, the world's greatest explorer and her friends will trek through the perilous dangers of the Amazonian jungle in search of the ancient treasure of Sol Dorado to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.