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Wednesday, March 9, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW
Rango
Bet He'd Never Challenge The
British Gekko To A Duel...
Rango (voiced by Johnny Depp) is the star of his own urban legend, and, oh yes,
the animated film "Rango".
Paramount
by
Omar P.L. Moore/PopcornReel.com
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Wednesday,
March 9, 2011
Busy, vigorous and entertaining, Gore Verbinski's animated "Rango" connects
itself to numerous films including Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns,
Hitchcock's "North By Northwest" and Polanski's "Chinatown", doing so
hilariously. By itself it stands as a mostly light-hearted, easily
digestible 100 minutes.
Starring Johnny Depp in the title role, Rango is a lizard caught out of his
element in the Mojave Desert after a mishap. Circumstances force him to
reinvent himself as an urban legend, perhaps the Schofield Lizard (who did NOT
appear in Clint Eastwood's "Unforgiven".) Before he can say "Geico", Rango
becomes the central figure in the town of Dirt, a place where water is a scarce
resource and some malevolent, corrupt forces are at play.
"Rango" distinguishes itself as a well-crafted, high-concept comedy that goes as
far as a fun, frenzied ride is expected to. Its underlying messages about
the environment and water preservation are more discreet than relentless.
There's enough of a shout-out to the film's values to qualify its own conscience
and self-awareness.
"Rango" looks beautiful, its animation detailed and pristine, and Mr. Depp's
vocalizations are delightful. This sweet, smart, appealing film is
definitely for mid-teens and adults; a PG-13 rating should have been applied.
Headless female torsos are a troubling appearance in any film be they real or
mannequin, and the sight of one here is disturbing. You wonder what such
an image is doing in a PG-rated film. Some images will frighten young
children, though they are doled out with discipline.
Mr. Verbinski gives the film zeal and punch. As written by John Logan
"Rango" has a seamless transition from skit to skit and homage to homage.
Done cutely enough, the writing and the visions merge fluidly while the story
flows without many hiccups, even if some of the film's rougher edges are a
little too intense for younger viewers.
A hired hand at this type of work, Mr. Depp ("Willy Wonka") has become a
virtuoso at vocal dexterity and swift-talking smart-asses, whether in
live-action films like "Pirates Of The Caribbean", which Mr. Verbinski directed,
or Tim Burton's animated "Alice In Wonderland". (I remain convinced
Mr. Depp would have given Michael Keaton a run for his money as "Beetlejuice".)
Mr. Depp gives Rango a sly, cheeky tone, reflecting the film's overall tenor.
"Rango" benefits from Ned Beatty's gravely vocals as Dirt's mayor, while Isla
Fisher gives strength and energy to Beans, a character who often freezes for no
apparent reason.
"Rango" has its adorable Greek chorus narrating throughout and making the most
of the film's musical numbers. In this vein "Rango" is as adept at
celebrating the mastery of Ennio Morricone's movie scores as it is the majesty
of Mr. Leone's westerns. Though the film lacks the emotional connection to
its audience that other, differently-situated animated films ("Up",
"Toy Story 3",
"Coraline")
boast, "Rango" is a worthwhile endeavor for fans of Mr. Depp specifically and of
animation in general. The all-purpose casual observer can enjoy this film
without suffering.
"Rango" may not be as ripe as a mango, but it's pretty darn close.
With the voices of: Abigail Breslin, Gore Verbinski, Lew Temple, Bill Nighy,
Harry Dean Stanton, Alfred Molina, Ray Winstone, Timothy Olyphant.
"Rango" is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association Of America
for rude humor, language, action and smoking. Some images of peril may
scare young children. The film's running time is one hour and 43 minutes.
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