Rango: Review

Dali got so commercial towards the end...

Admittedly never one for animations (the Toy Story franchise aside); I can count the times I've chosen to go and watch an animated film on one hand. It's nothing personal, I feel I've got a sufficiently broad imagination and prefer escapism to reality any day of the week, but there's something about animation that just doesn't grab me. I guess I just prefer humans - so sue me.

Well thank goodness I overcame my usual prejudices. Last night I willingly chose to see Rango - and pleasantly surprised I was too!

This witty, trippy Western tale of a wayward chameleon lost in the desert ain't your average animated film. Don't let the overwhelming number of kiddies in the audience fool you - this is sharp, intelligent animation aimed at grown ups, but with enough humorous and tantalisingly colourful characters to keep the kids engrossed as well.
Clever.

From the get-go it's clear that Rango, voiced by Johnny Depp, is searching for more than adventure, he's searching for a purpose. So upon finding himself abandoned in a town called Dirt - in dire need of a new sheriff and water - our protagonist throws himself into the role of importance and pomp he's always dreamt of. As pressumed, all does not go according to plan...

Johnny Depp: the definition of "clashing accessory chic"

The narrative follows that of a traditional Western: the goodies, the baddies, the rejections and wallowing time for reflection (poetanddidntknowit alert). And all of this in mind-boggling animation with CGI action sequences that could give the Matrix films a run for their money - it's safe to say director Gore Verbinski  landed on his feet in his first animated venture.
Clearly in good artistic company, Rango is a visually stunning film of inconceivably high quality.

In short - it blew my tiny mind.

The soundtrack deserves kudos unto itself. Hans Zimmer and Los Lobos combine to make an excellent muscial accompaniment to the action: exhilarating, energetic and captivating. Whoever would've thought Ride of the Valkyries on banjo would work?
Not me - but it does.

Desert? check. Hawiian shirt? check. Acid-tripping-reptilian-protagonist? check.

And with the extra added bonus of constant and subtle artistic nods to various other films - Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Chinatown and Apocalypse Now - film buffs everywhere will leave with the satisfaction and sweet smuggery of those "in the know".Cashback.

Rango is showing in UK cinemas now.