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.
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.
This years Eurovision entry went for "gun slingin' chic"
For as long as I can remember my dad's repsonse to the question "what are you looking for?" whilst rummaging in drawers and in cupboards has been *in southern drawl* "I'm lookin' for the man who shot ma paw!"
Makes no sense, doesn't need to (we're THAT kind of family), but this is beside the point - I never once thought to question the origin of this quote.
The latest offering from genius duo, the Coen brothers, is a remake of the 1969 western hit originally starring John Wayne. The story follows 14-year old no-nonsense Mattie as she sets out to capture her father's killer with the help of sauced up, trigger-happy US Marshal Reuben "the rooster" Cogburn. Also on the trail of the murderous Tom Chaney is Texas ranger, LeBeouf, who joins the unlikely pair on their perilous journey.
The brothers Coen already established themselves as masters of the modern western with 2007 adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's, No Country for Old Men. And true to form, True Grit does not fail to meet the high standards they've set for themselves.
Stylish, gritty, exciting: this film transfixes the audience with a combination of anticipation, pathos and humour. Most of the humour comes from the quick-witted heroine, who's tongue could give more of a lashing than LaBeouf's feeble attempts at a whipping when she gets out of line.
"Wait - what d'ya mean braids ain't in?"
Without doubt the breakout performance from 14-year old Hailee Steinfeld steals the show - and it's not easily done when keeping company with the likes of Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin. Steinfeld's stark, frank and cunning approach to what is undoubtedly a "man's business" is admirable, yet the moments upon which she cracks and lets slip a glimmer of the fragile, little girl she really is are the moments which really resonate.
Look up "badass" in the dictionary and find this image
Jeff Bridges gives a strong and strangely endearing performance as Cogburn; achieving the delicate balance of jovial humourous protector and cynical, washed-up drunk. Attempting to fill John Wayne's shoes is no mean feat (see what I did there?) but he certainly pulls it off, making all of those award nominations very much deserved.
MAAAAAATT DAAAMMOOONN
Almost unrecognisable at first as mouthy Texan ranger, LaBeouf, Matt Damon also hits his mark as the self-righteous and gibbering voice of authority the audience will grow to tolerate and even like, as Mattie and even Cogburn do by the end of the film. The rapid repartee between LaBeouf and Mattie in the first encounter evokes more than a snigger, as he sternly informs her that "a saucy line will not get you far with me." Well, actually, it gets him as far as the climactic end action sequence and I for one am glad, LaBeouf provides laughs in a film I pressumed would have few ("grit" is in the title afterall...)
Overall, an excellent cinematic experience.
If you need more convincing, just watch the theatrical trailer below - I defy anyone not to be a LITTLE bit thrilled when Johnny Cash's "God's Gonna Cut You Down" kicks in.
