***1/2 stars
The fact that Rango is the best film so far in 2011 is bittersweet. Sure, it's Gore Verbinski's best movie to date, Johnny Depp is perfectly cast, and it's an absolute refreshing experience of animated imagination. However, the fact that this is the best movie so far this year is a sure sign of Hollywood's weakness. This is not a negative comment on Rango, but a disappointed moviegoer who is clinging on to any positive emotions he can.
Back to the film. What a weirdly creative and wildly uncontrollable ride this is. Depp brings his usual offbeat charisma to his chameleon character Rango, a hero without a story, so says the owl mariachi band who give us the breakdown fourth wall style. When Rango is thrown into chaos by flying out of the pet life and into a wild one (a bump in the road throws him out of his owner's movie vehicle), he hits the Mojave desert to search for the Spirit of the West. Upon his journey, he discovers Dirt, an old and small western town made up of desert animals. Because of his initial actions of playing tough in front of a dirty bar crowd, he receives the honor of becoming the Sheriff of Dirt. But when the town is low on its water supply, Rango is thrown into a world of corruption. He wants to know why the Mayor of Dirt, who is a turtle, is not worried about the water supply. Is he up to no good? Picture Fievel Goes West meets The Man With No Name. The latter here especially considering when Rango meets the Spirit of the West. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it.
What's fascinating about Rango and its mythology is how this chameleon living in modern society discussing his own story about being a hero is shoved into the morals of a past century, and through his knowledge of the modern world, he fits the role of the genius outsider, even though it couldn't be farther from the truth. The film's message is simple: so long as you are given the opportunity, you have a chance to achieve your destiny and discover your own Spirit of the West. Rango's fate was decided by a bump in the road, something that we can all relate to.
Note: Rango is an even finer film for refusing 3D and sticking to its roots in 2D. Hopefully, many others will follow suit.
Back to the film. What a weirdly creative and wildly uncontrollable ride this is. Depp brings his usual offbeat charisma to his chameleon character Rango, a hero without a story, so says the owl mariachi band who give us the breakdown fourth wall style. When Rango is thrown into chaos by flying out of the pet life and into a wild one (a bump in the road throws him out of his owner's movie vehicle), he hits the Mojave desert to search for the Spirit of the West. Upon his journey, he discovers Dirt, an old and small western town made up of desert animals. Because of his initial actions of playing tough in front of a dirty bar crowd, he receives the honor of becoming the Sheriff of Dirt. But when the town is low on its water supply, Rango is thrown into a world of corruption. He wants to know why the Mayor of Dirt, who is a turtle, is not worried about the water supply. Is he up to no good? Picture Fievel Goes West meets The Man With No Name. The latter here especially considering when Rango meets the Spirit of the West. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it.
What's fascinating about Rango and its mythology is how this chameleon living in modern society discussing his own story about being a hero is shoved into the morals of a past century, and through his knowledge of the modern world, he fits the role of the genius outsider, even though it couldn't be farther from the truth. The film's message is simple: so long as you are given the opportunity, you have a chance to achieve your destiny and discover your own Spirit of the West. Rango's fate was decided by a bump in the road, something that we can all relate to.
Note: Rango is an even finer film for refusing 3D and sticking to its roots in 2D. Hopefully, many others will follow suit.
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