Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado (2025) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado” (2025) marks a bold new chapter in the live-action adaptation of the iconic children’s series. Directed by Alberto Belli and written by JT Billings, Chris Gifford, and Valerie Walsh Valdes, this film reboots the Dora universe with new actors, new lore, and a more grounded take on the adventurous jungle tale. While it follows in the footsteps of 2019’s “Dora and the Lost City of Gold,” this isn’t a sequel—it’s a full narrative reset that aims to blend emotional character arcs with the spirit of exploration.
So, is this fresh take worth streaming? Let’s dive in.
Plot Overview: Jungle Dangers and a Golden Wish
Dora (Samantha Lorraine), her cousin Diego (Jacob Rodriguez), and a pair of new allies—Naiya and her younger brother Sonny—venture deep into the Amazon rainforest on a quest to recover the Sol Dorado, a mystical golden star rumored to grant one selfless wish. Along the way, they must outsmart rival treasure hunters, battle the jungle’s harsh elements, and face their own personal challenges.
The movie shifts from being a parody, like its 2019 predecessor, to a sincere adventure story. Gone are the satirical jabs at Dora’s cartoon origins. Instead, this is a more heartfelt narrative, leaning into themes of bravery, identity, and teamwork.
Character Performances: A New Cast of Explorers
Replacing a beloved cast is always tricky, and many fans were skeptical about this reboot. Samantha Lorraine and Jacob Rodriguez take the lead roles with charisma and warmth, although they play older versions of Dora and Diego—something that might not resonate with purists of the franchise.
The introduction of new characters, Naiya and Sonny, adds humor and freshness. Sonny, especially, stands out as a scene-stealer, bringing energetic comedic relief reminiscent of classic sidekick characters in kids’ adventures.
However, fans of the original voice cast and the previous film may miss the nostalgic spark. Gabriel Iglesias voices Boots, Dora’s iconic monkey companion. His performance adds humor, but the CGI design of Boots has sparked mixed reactions. Some viewers found his overly “realistic” look distracting and a far cry from the charming, cartoon-inspired style of earlier adaptations.
Direction & Visual Style: A Grounded but Safe Adventure
Director Alberto Belli takes a different approach from James Bobin’s tongue-in-cheek 2019 film. Here, the action is more grounded, and the humor is softer. Visually, the film showcases lush jungle landscapes and mystical ruins, although the CGI occasionally falters.
This installment also drops many of the meta-elements like talking maps and fourth-wall breaks. While this may please audiences looking for a more serious adventure, it may alienate fans who appreciated the self-aware tone of the original adaptation.
The soundtrack is serviceable with a few standout moments, particularly during the end credits. However, it lacks the musical flair and engagement of the original show and previous film.
Themes and Narrative Strengths
What truly sets “Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado” apart is its emotional maturity. Themes of self-worth, fear of separation, and growing up are explored in surprisingly poignant ways. Diego’s inner conflict about telling Dora he got into a California college is a subtle but effective subplot. Dora’s belief that she needs her map to succeed underscores deeper insecurities—making her journey as much about inner strength as it is about hidden treasure.
Despite this, some plot conveniences (including wardrobe changes mid-scene) and pacing issues hold it back from greatness.
Diversity and Controversy
A glaring issue many have pointed out is the film’s approach to skin tone representation. Critics noted that all the heroes are cast with lighter skin tones, while antagonists appear darker—raising concerns about colorism. In a franchise that celebrates Latinx culture, this casting decision felt like a step backward for representation.
While performances are solid across the board, this oversight has sparked a valid and necessary conversation among fans and cultural commentators.
Where to Watch “Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado” Online
Available Streaming Services:
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Paramount+ – Watch with Subscription
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Amazon Prime Video – Rent or Buy Now
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Apple TV – Available for rental or purchase
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Vudu – Rent or purchase in HD
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Google Play Movies – Stream on demand
Whether you’re a subscriber or prefer à la carte streaming, options are plentiful, especially for viewers in the United States.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Watching?
“Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado” offers a fun, safe, and occasionally touching jungle adventure. It may lack the bold humor and visual style of the 2019 film, but it makes up for that with emotional depth, solid performances, and fresh characters that kids will likely enjoy.
It’s not a perfect movie—the CGI is inconsistent, and the reboot decision will surely divide fans—but it’s a commendable attempt to breathe new life into Dora’s world for a new generation. If you’re a parent looking for a family-friendly adventure or a nostalgic fan open to change, it’s definitely worth a stream.
A heartfelt, if imperfect, reimagining that entertains while exploring growth and identity. Great for kids, tolerable for adults, and a decent stepping stone for future Dora stories—hopefully with more consistent design and stronger cultural nuance.
Watch It Now
Ready to explore Sol Dorado? Stream the movie today via:
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Paramount+ (Official Site)
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Rent/Buy on Amazon
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Or check Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu!
