Universal Pictures | Release Date: October 9, 2015
6.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 21 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
15
Mixed:
5
Negative:
1
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5
foxgroveOct 9, 2015
Set against the backdrop of the slums of Rio de Janeiro, this unconvincing drama invites comparison with ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ whilst really being quite different. Three kids working amongst the city’s trash find a wallet full of money whichSet against the backdrop of the slums of Rio de Janeiro, this unconvincing drama invites comparison with ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ whilst really being quite different. Three kids working amongst the city’s trash find a wallet full of money which puts their lives in danger as this story of corruption, robbery and murder unfolds. Director Stephen Daldry tries hard to keep a handle on a screenplay which is so convoluted that any tension the drama elicits is immediately diluted by unbelievable situations and lack of logical narrative. Call me cynical but it is difficult to believe that kids from the slums would act in so intelligent and honest a manner. Streetwise yes, but code breakers? Also, the police always seem to know where they are from scene to scene despite Rio being one of the world’s largest cities in which to disappear. Only at a convenient point in the story do they manage to accomplish this feat. These improbabilities and quite a few others take any urgency away from the many chase sequences and, despite some effective editing, the film never rouses as it should. Ultimately, it feels somewhat pleased with itself as a kind of morality tale, albeit a very pedestrian one. The generally upbeat music owes more than a nod to the score of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ but is in fact just irritating. Also, the parts delineated by Martin Sheen and Rooney Mara could, and should, have been played by anyone. On the plus side there is some lovely cinematography encompassing the less scenic parts of Rio, but in the final analysis whilst not ‘Trash’ exactly, the film is throwaway non-the-less. Expand
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5
smiyamotJul 17, 2016
Haven't I seen this story before? Young kids find a lot of money and get into trouble with people looking for it? Okay, this movie had a few twists to the basic story line, but it was still your basic kids outsmarting the adults (seriously?) movie.
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4
M7AMDMar 26, 2023
I watched this movie assuming it would be as good as City Of God but i was very disappointed, its not as good as people suggested in the reviews, i has some good moments and a good soundtrack and i honestly i thought the story can hold butI watched this movie assuming it would be as good as City Of God but i was very disappointed, its not as good as people suggested in the reviews, i has some good moments and a good soundtrack and i honestly i thought the story can hold but they didn't execute it the way i thought they would, most of the movie is a bunch of kids running from police going from building to building to underground trying not to get caught, and the ending is just stupid.

anyway, don't believe to the reviews unless you want to waste your time.
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