"Rango" is a new pillar in the argument for actors losing all their screen time to animated characters. It invokes the same power of classic westerns with touches that can only be achieved through animation. The characters are real and their gritty designs fit their movie perfectly. The animation is fluid and real.
Johnny Depp is the voice of Rango, a pet lizard who dreams of being a great actor. After getting trapped in the desert he finds himself in the town of Dirt, Nev., and decides to act the role of the tough cowboy. Through his lies and a lucky accident, he's granted the title of Sheriff and given the task of finding water to save the town. Along the way, he battles outlaws and corrupted leadership. Isla Fisher plays Beans, Rango’s strong-hearted love interest while Ned Beatty and Bill Nighy provide the voices of the Mayor and Rattlesnake Jake. The cast is rounded out by countless characters who make the film adorably quirky.
The character designs and textures are true to western formulas. All the animals are covered in filth, cut up and wearing tattered rags. Every feather and scale is painstakingly crafted. The animation is gorgeous and invokes unbelievable realism while still sticking to its cartoon roots. Many of the classic western scenes are followed by over the top moments that could only be done with animation. It seems that each rock and grain of sand in the movie’s environment reacts perfectly to character movements.
The soundtrack adds to every scene, making the film feel grander through and through. The story is filled with twists and turns and addresses real issues in the world, all while the script is poetic and humorous. Most of the jokes are perfect for all ages, but bits and pieces are added in to appeal specifically to adults.
"Rango" is the kind of movie that stands the test of time. My hat goes off to Industrial Light and Magic and Director Gore Verbinski, who made the film quite a CG achievement and a must see for all moviegoers.
I give it five wind up plastic fish out of five!
Written by Chris
Edited by Aaron
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