'The Road To El Dorado' is a bright and zesty animated comedy from DreamWorks. It centres on a treasure quest by two Spanish con-men adventurers, Tulio, voiced by Kevin Kline, and Miguel, voiced by Kenneth Branagh, in 16th century Spain.

The story opens with the two pals gambling in a waterfront in Spain. They win a map to the treasures of El Dorado, a legendary city of gold. However, their cheating scam was uncovered and in trying to escape from the wrath of their victims, they find themselves stowaways on the ship of tyrannical explorer Hernando Cortes (Jim Cummings) as it sails for South America. Armed with the map of El Dorado, they managed to jump ship and escape in a rowboat with their horse Altivo.

The animation, a combination of digital and hand-drawn images, is rich with colours. The city of El Dorado, which the two con men eventually do reach, is a breathtaking landscape of towering pyramids, vibrant wildlife and cascading waterfalls; a jungle splendour, an Eden.

There they encounter the jolly village chief (Edward James Olmos) and his evil right-hand man, a high priest named Tzekel-Kan (Armand Assante). Being mistaken for gods sent from beyond, both Tulio and Miguel use their 'position' to grab all the gold they can to head home. Along the way, they got a sidekick in a local woman, Chel, who discovers their scam and wants in. Voiced by Rosie Perez, Chel is a conniving little imp who helps them 'adapt' to their new 'godly' status.

There are some comedic sequences, and do look out for the El Dorado's version of the basketball. Hmm, not too bad a score with a 'live' ball, considering. Actually, the story centres around the two friends, who find themselves time and time again in situations beyond their comprehension, and how their friendship is tested. Though the story is rather predictable, the chemistry between the romantic and reckless Miguel and the more practical and cautious Tulio makes it a charming buddy-movie.

Though the animation seemed seamless, the music is a little lackluster. Featuring six new songs by the Oscar-winning team of Elton John, Tim Rice and Hans Zimmer, the music isn't nearly as memorable as their work in 'The Lion King'. Entertaining enough, but it somehow lacks the ummph as 'The Circle of Life' and 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' from 'Lion King'. No one is going to come out of the theatre humming them.

Parents, be forewarned, there is a little instance when Tulio and Chel got 'hot' together, when Tulio initially tries so hard not to fall into 'temptation' before giving in to Chel's charms. The very young kids might just ask Daddy and Mummy what Tulio and Chel are doing behind the curtains, so get a plausible answer ready. But I'm sure the elder ones can figure it out themselves.

'El Dorado' is good enough for a hour and a half of fun and entertainment, but that's about as far as it goes. Cute, but nothing memorable