I finally got around to watching Rango, a homage to western movies. Johnny Depp plays Rango, a silly lizard who becomes a western town’s Sheriff. Someone is stealing the town’s water and Rango has to solve the mystery. There are plenty of excellent character actors voicing many of the roles: Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, Ned Beatty, Alfred Molina, Bill Nighy, Stephen Root, Harry Dean Stanton, and Timothy Olyphant. Rango uses the tropes from High Noon to spaghetti westerns to tell its story. If you’re a western fan, you’ll enjoy this animated romp. GRADE: B
We saw the preview several time but somehow missed the movie too. I loved the look of it and it does indeed have a great cast. I like Isla Fisher a lot.
I’ll have to check it out.
I’m a Isla Fisher fan, too, Jeff. RANGO is a quirky movie with plenty of inside jokes. You have to be in the mood for this kind of film to enjoy it.
Too scary for a four year old?
RANGO isn’t too scary for a four-year-old, Patti, but it probably would be incomprehensible to him. RANGO is more of an adult animated film.
I haven’t seen it, but one of my kids did and said that there’s a strong flavor of “Chinatown” in the movie–and also that it really helps to know a lot of old movies in order to get the most from “Rango.” I found that strange, considering that it was marketed to young children–most of whom have never seen those older movies.
Your child is right, Deb. So much of RANGO is a homage to classic westerns that I’m sure it goes right over the heads of kids.
I had a great time woth Rango, particularly watching signs and stuff in the background. The deserted saloon with the Soiled Doves sign was a particular favorite.
I caught that, too, Scott. For fans of westerns, there are plenty of hidden goodies in RANGO to enjoy.
Even with Rio, Kevin said, “I don’t get what that story is about.” Because it is about love. Not something fours get.
I have a review of RIO coming up in a few days, Patti. Some people of any age don’t “get” love, either.
I always wonder why there is such a big deal made about who the voice actors are. Who cares, really? If the voicing is good, that’s all that matters, it’s the story and animation that matter. This film would be just the same with good no-name voice actors, except for the people who go for the “star power” which makes no sense whatever.
The reviews of this one looked pretty good, certainly better than some of the other animated films that have come out lately.
Some reviewers and viewers panned RANGO in part because they didn’t understand what the movie was trying to do, Rick. I think a familiar voice in an animated movie reassures the audience. Of course, your Star Power observation holds, too.