Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)

Dora and the Lost City of Gold is one of those rare family movies that understands the joke without making fun of its own heart: it turns a beloved kids’ character into a live-action heroine with real charm, real courage, and a wonderfully straight-faced sense of wonder. Isabela Merced makes Dora instantly winning, navigating the awkwardness of high school and the peril of the jungle with the same earnest, can-do spirit, while the movie keeps the pace brisk and the tone bright—more playful adventure than parody. Director James Bobin sprinkles in clever visual gags and a warm, old-fashioned quest vibe that feels like a Saturday matinee updated for a new generation. It won’t be for viewers allergic to wholesome sincerity or kid-friendly humor, but if you want a fun, upbeat ride that’s in on its own silliness and still genuinely likable, this one delivers.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold is clearly trying to do the tricky thing: turn a beloved kids’ cartoon into a live-action adventure that winks at the audience while still delivering a real jungle quest. When it works, Isabela Merced’s committed, wide-eyed sincerity and a few self-aware jokes give it a surprisingly charming pulse, and the family-friendly action is easy to follow. But the movie can’t quite decide what it wants to be, bouncing between goofy parody and standard treasure-hunt stakes, and the plot gets busier than it needs to, which can make the whole thing feel tonally messy. If you want a tight, clever adventure or a consistent comedy, this may test your patience; if you’re watching with kids or you’re nostalgic for Dora and can tolerate some clunky storytelling, it’s harmless, occasionally fun entertainment.