Eva Longoria, Isabela Moner and Michael Pena star in a scene from the movie "Dora and the Lost City of Gold." The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. (CNS/Paramount Pictures)

By Catholic News Service

This live-action adaptation of the popular Nickelodeon cartoon series “Dora the Explorer,” directed by James Bobin, is that Hollywood rarity: a sunny, fun-filled movie with valuable lessons about kindness, friendship and tolerance.

Taking the place of the 7-year-old featured on the small screen, a teenage Dora (Isabela Moner) is sent to live with relatives in Los Angeles while her archaeologist parents (Eva Longoria and Michael Pena) set off in search of the fabled Incan site of the title. Before long Dora, together with her cousin (Jeff Wahlberg) and two classmates (Madeleine Madden and Nicholas Coombe), is kidnapped by bandits eager to locate Ma, Pa and the pre-Columbian treasure from which the location of their dig takes its name. Rescued by a family friend (Eugenio Derbez), the intrepid teens set out to find Dora’s folks before the thieves, led by a crafty fox (voice of Benicio del Toro), can.

The film’s few rough edges are compensated for by its much-needed presentation of positive role models for young people.

Unthreatening action sequences, a childish scatological reference, one mildly crass oath. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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