Dora: à la recherche du Sol Dorado

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.

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 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.

Sometimes "fine" is exactly what you need. A day after the Lilo n Stitch movie (which was great), this Dora adventure hit the sweet spot of keeping my 11-year-old entertained two days in a row. No Snow White shananigans here!

Dora's treasure hunt actually works. This adventure follows our intrepid explorer as she searches for the legendary Sol Dorado, mixing ancient Inca mysteries with modern-day thrills that kept both me and my 11-year-old engaged throughout.

Samantha Lorraine brings charm to the adventure-seeking Latina heroine and nails Dora's optimistic energy without being annoying. The supporting cast handles the comedy well, and the villain motivations feel genuine rather than cartoonish.

The jungle settings look great, and the action sequences have real stakes - kids will genuinely worry about whether Dora will solve the puzzles in time.

The Inca cultural elements feel respectful and educational. The treasure hunt has legitimate twists, and the friendship dynamics ring true.

Minor Gripes: Some jokes fall flat, and a few plot points resolve too easily. But the adventure keeps moving, and both kids and adults stay invested in whether Dora finds her prize.

This is a solid family adventure that delivers exactly what it promises - a fun treasure hunt with heart, humor, and just enough educational value to make parents feel good about screen time.

Big Plus: This works perfectly as a standalone adventure - no need to have seen the previous 2019 Dora movie, though being a Dora fan would help. My daughter jumped right in and had zero confusion following the story. For tired parents looking for 90 minutes that actually entertains in the summer holidays, this delivers.

The Bottom Line: Not every family movie needs to be a masterpiece. Sometimes you just need something that's competently made, culturally respectful, and won't make you want to hide behind the couch. Mission accomplished.

Perfect for: Family movie nights, adventure-loving kids, parents who want something genuinely entertaining.

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 Llana O., KIDS FIRST!