This film reminds me of a typical musical rom-com movie. After seeing the first 5 minutes of the film, I knew how it would end (just like any other rom-com films); Guy is a talented free-spirited guy, falls in love with a pretty woman, pretty woman is doubtful, there are barriers (Shes Julio’s girl), guy does talented things, guys friend’s are all goofs, singing and music, guy gets the girl, the end. Felt like the whole movie was centralized and focused only on Roger (the guy who gets the girl) and everything all works on his favor just like that. One thing that interested me was the fact that the Brazilians were portrayed as these very socially conservative people (arranged marriages, traditions, etc.) perhaps that one is somewhat true considering the time period of the film. The carioca scene was quite accurate in the sense that carioca is a product of Brazil, everything else seemed artificial and I didn’t feel any sense or understanding that the setting took place in Rio de Janeiro.

The characters and their acting were quite sleazy and tacky (especially Roger and his musical band friends). What made me laugh was the fact that Julio was such a weak guy he didn’t even bother to fight or challenge Roger and easily give up Honey at the end. I felt like Julio should’ve been made into an antagonist or a form of barrier for Roger rather than just some meek foreign guy with a weak heart. Also, its funny how every character in the movie (maybe except for the hotel boss at Miami and Honey’s aunt) were so submissive and obedient towards Roger, its as if the whole movie was a biased-dream of Roger’s fantasy. Everything and every situation that Roger is in, it all works on his favor. Even near the end when he stages that flying girls on the plane stunt and deciding to leave he ends up getting the girl he loves. I’m aware that the movie is a musical romance that focuses on Roger’s endeavor but I wish the directors should have added more barriers and realistic situations with a bit of wit and liveliness to the other characters instead of focusing too much on Roger.

Without a doubt there are musical rom-coms that are far worse than this but considering the age and time of this film I feel Flying Down to Rio was one the predecessors of the modern cheesy rom-coms. I did not hate the film but it certainly made my eyes roll.