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.

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!

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 honestly thought that this was going to be a sequel to the 2019 Dora. It is not. Not as funny but a fun little adventure for the kids.i really don't know what else to put for this review. The system will not let me continue unless I put more information. Fluffy is the voice of boots , so that fun. I wouldn't really recommend this movie to anyone. The first one was so entertaining I actually laughed out loud while watching it with the kids. People thought I was crazy recommending a Dora movie. The actors are good it's just that the story doesn't really keep my attention as much as the original.

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.