Rango

This is a brilliant "adult" PG rated cartoon. It is essentially an animated western, that will make you happy you are watching it while you watch it. This movie could have had a completely different life at the box office had we known what we were getting into. It was a cartoon rated PG, but in my opinion, kids probably hate and or do not understand it. It is very adult. Rango (Depp) is a very odd lizard. We see him early on as a pet with a vivid imagination and a penchant for theater. When he is thrust into the wild, he must survive, which is quite difficult, yet hilarious. The film turns from funny [Fear and Loathing reference] to sort of dark and serious. Our hero is a bright green lizard in a bright Hawaiian shirt, but the town he ends up in is very old west. Lots of drab, dirty, bleak colors and attitudes. The town of Dirt is set up like the old west, and it is awesome. He is immediately targeted by the town folks as being different, but when approached and intimidated, his flair for acting kicks in. He makes up an identity on the spot with back story and all. He becomes the intimidator, and it is funny. Quickly Rango is who the town looks for, for help. They are running dry of water in the middle of the desert. Water is their currency, and without it, everyone will die. He is appointed sheriff and through all his BS, he promises to get water to the town, but ends up screwing up things worse. Unfortunately, he is so wrapped up in his lies, he begins to believe it. The last half of the movie is filled with outstanding action, gunfights, and humor. I especially loved the Clint Eastwood tribute. You will see it as plain as day. The voice even sounds very similar to that of Eastwood, but is actually voiced by the brilliant Timothy Olyphant. Throughout, it does get a bit trippy, due to the over abundance of the desert sun and no water, but mostly it is just a clever written movie that was not given the proper promotion. I will say, I do not have 6, 7, or 8 year olds, but when I do, I don't think they will be ready for it. It says "Hell" at least 7 times, it is very dark, and a little mature for children, plus it does not have the quality of storytelling that keeps today's kids interested. It is a lot of plot, and though the visuals are fun for adults, kids would be bored. I do think I understand why it was fussed over by parents when released. As an adult, I fully understood all the references and didn't mind the language. It was the first animated "Western" I have ever seen, and I loved it. Depp is perfect as the quirky, insecure lizard, and with supporting roles from Bill Nighy (Rattlesnake Jake), Stephen Root (Doc), and Ned Beatty (Mayor) it really felt right. Certain scenes don't even feel animated, and that's why it is great. I do recommend this film for anyone over 10, but for the adults out there, you will really enjoy it.

NBM rates Rango - Awesome