Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado

I did actually enjoy the 2019 movie "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" and thus also opted to sit down and watch the 2025 movie "Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado", as I had the chance to do so.

The narrative in the movie was okay, nothing jaw-dropping or overly fascinating, but suitable for an evening of adventure with the family in front of the screen. Sure, it was mostly for a younger audience, but still suitable for adults as well. So writer JT Billings did deliver a good script for director Alberto Belli to bring to the screen.

The acting performances in the movie are good. I was not familiar with a single actress or actor on the cast list, which was actually something that worked in favor of the movie, as I do enjoy watching unfamiliar and new talents in movies.

"Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado" is an enjoyable adventure movie for the entire family.

Visually, then the movie was good. Sure, this was a Nickelodeon movie, so don't expect to be blown away, but the effects certainly were good, as were the sets and locations.

My rating of director Alberto Belli's 2025 movie "Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado" lands on a six out of ten stars.

Dora (Samantha Lorraine) and Diego (Jacob Rodriguez) grew up with stories of legendary Incan city Sol Dorado from their grandpa. They get into another adventure, but she loses her map. She goes to work at theme park Jungle World under her hero archaeologist Camila (Daniella Pineda) who has a pet fox Swiper.

I can't believe that they got a new Dora although I guess that I can believe it. It is called show Business. It is maybe bad business. I think that this prevents the franchise from higher aspirations. This stays strictly in the children adventure space. As long as expectations are limited, this is not going to disappoint the kiddies and won't annoy the adults.

After watching Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado, I felt like I'd gone on a lively little adventure with an old friend. The film captures that bright, curious spirit of the original Dora the Explorer show but gives it a fresh, modern twist that works surprisingly well for both kids and adults. I found myself smiling through most of it, enjoying the colorful jungle, clever puzzles, and the upbeat energy that never really lets up.

Pros: The biggest strength for me was the cast, especially Samantha Lorraine as Dora. She brings a genuine charm and enthusiasm that makes the character feel alive and relatable. The chemistry between the main characters felt natural, which helped the story flow smoothly. Visually, the movie shines with vibrant jungle settings and well-crafted animated sidekicks like Boots and Swiper, which added a fun, playful touch. I also appreciated the positive messages woven throughout-family, teamwork, and forgiveness are handled with warmth and sincerity without feeling preachy. The action scenes were exciting enough to keep me engaged, and the film balances moments of tension with lighthearted humor nicely.

Cons: That said, the plot sometimes felt a bit too familiar and predictable. There were moments where the story stretched believability, and a few jokes didn't quite land for me. Some scenes might be a little intense for very young kids, especially with the peril and traps, so parents might want to watch with that in mind. Also, while the film is fun, it doesn't break new ground in the adventure genre, so if you're looking for something deeply original or complex, this might feel a bit surface-level.

Rating: Story: 6.5/10 - It's enjoyable but somewhat predictable.

Acting: 8/10 - Samantha Lorraine and the cast bring life and warmth.

Visuals: 7.5/10 - Colorful and lively, great for family viewing.

Pacing: 7/10 - Keeps a good rhythm, though some parts feel rushed.

Overall Enjoyment: 7/10 - A solid, feel-good family adventure that delivers fun and heart without overcomplicating things.

In short, Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado is a delightful watch if you want a lighthearted, colorful adventure with positive values. It's not perfect, but its joyful spirit and strong performances make it an entertaining journey for the whole family.

If you're looking for a movie that brings back childhood memories, this one does the job well.

Dora will always be one of the icons of our childhood.

But as a film, it's just... enjoyable - just enjoyable.

The drama, plot, comedy, and events are all average - exactly what you'd expect from a family movie.

Still, I enjoyed it.

Final rating: 7 out of 10.

"Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado" is a colorful and energetic adventure that feels clearly tailored for younger audiences - and it works quite well on that level. It's full of bright visuals, light humor, and an enthusiastic tone that makes it a great pick for kids.

For adults, it's a decent watch, though not particularly remarkable. The plot is straightforward, with familiar tropes and a predictable arc, but it still manages to entertain thanks to a likable cast and its upbeat pace. It occasionally leans into silliness, but never in a way that feels off-brand for Dora's world.

Overall, it's a fair adventure film: simple, wholesome fun for children, and a passable experience for adults tagging along.