Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado

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.

I loved the first movie eventhough I am an adult. Even bought the blu-ray because it was a funny translation of the cartoon series with some great jokes. This 2nd movie is more a real life version with similar story line and hardly any funny as stuff for anyone above 7 years old. Sets are good and colorful, acting is bit flat.

Dora the Explorer was a show I watched as a kid on Nick Jr. And it was fun. I did watch Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) earlier this year and I had a blast with that movie, so I went into this new movie with the right set of expectations and I had a great time with this movie.

Positives for Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado (2025): This movie is able to capture the fun nature of the original animated show in live-action form, something a lot of Disney live-action remakes have failed to do. You have a fun adventure with the characters that feels like classic Indiana Jones. You have a wonderful cast with Samantha Lorraine as Dora, Jacob Rodriguez as Diego, Mariana Garzon Toro as Naiya, Acston Luca Porto as Sonny, Daniella Pineda as Camila and Gabriel Iglesias as Boots. Samantha Lorraine does an excellent job at playing this live-action version of Dora and while I do prefer Isabela Merced, she is able to to make the character her own and I like the arc she goes on in the movie and she doesn't feel like one of those damn Mary Sue characters. The character of Camila played by Daniella Pineda was very compelling and interesting as the main villain and she has motivations that will make you sympathize with her. The action sequences are very entertaining and you get some nice stunts with these characters. And finally, I like the use of practical movie sets instead of CGI and it makes everything feel more real despite being a fictional world.

Mixed for Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado (2025): This movie is made for kids and everything in the movie makes more sense as to why it feels dumb.

Negatives for Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado (2025): The main adventure in this movie isn't nearly as grand or excited like it was in the 2019 live-action movie.

Overall, Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado (2025) was a nice surprise for me and it will be a great time for fans of the old animated show and families around the world.

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.

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!