Rango: So far, this animated film is the year’s best

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 05 May 2011 10:46

Each week, the Reel Dad checks the nutritional value of a movie — new or classic — to help parents choose what to watch. This week’s pick is the animated film Rango.

Four months into the new year, the best film of 2011 (so far) is Rango, the delightful animated tribute to the traditions of the movie Western. Featuring a vocal performance by Johnny Depp — easily the best voice work on film since Robin Williams in Aladdin — this highly entertaining animated film brims with creativity and joy.

Now, parents, don’t let that word — animation — sway you from anticipating a great time. This time around, animation is only a means to an end; the form does not define the art nor minimize the impact; the film does not “talk down to adults” simply because it is animated. We can sit back, laugh and have a fabulous time. Rango is a magical combination of entertaining visuals and witty words.

The fun begins from the clever opening — incorporating just about every Western cliché that introduces a lizard — voiced by Depp — who finds himself in the middle of a small town suffering from a drought. Towns in Westerns always seem to suffer something. Once in the town — where he is mistakenly thought to be the hero to solve all the problems — the lizard encounters just about every possible movie character and relives many favorite film moments.

The lizard meets a tough woman reminiscent of True Grit, a villain directly from It’s a Wonderful Life, and a saloon crowd courtesy of Star Wars. He faces a water controversy lifted from Chinatown and a showdown courtesy of High Noon, all linked together by a vocal group from Cat Ballou. If, at times, Rango feels like an animated Blazing Saddles, Mel Brooks would be proud, especially of the tribute to Clint Eastwood that reaches a parody peak. Film fans will have a field day.

While these clever references serve as delightful window dressing, it’s the heart of Rango that is most endearing. Depp’s amazing vocals make us deeply care for this troubled creature who simply wants to bring joy to the world, peace to his neighbors and water to his town. And, when it looks as though his story will end in sadness, the real emotion this animated character expresses is enough to put a lump in any cold throat. Depp, who can do anything, is a one-man reason for the Oscars to start honoring vocal performances.

Visually, the film never permits its computer origins to limit the reality of what we see. From the dust in the streets, to smoke in the bar, to an incredible aerial sequence, the visual thrills are endless and amazingly realistic.

Of course, every great Western offers a meaningful moral, and Rango certainly qualifies. From this magical collection of characters — and their familiar surroundings — we are reminded that while destiny awaits every man only those who believe in something can fully achieve what they are meant to be. Every man has a journey to make and, when seeking help, a man can find what he seeks. While too many movies seem to substitute 3-D projection for character development, Rango brings the most authentic joy of any movie so far this year. Even if you have already enjoyed it, this film deserves a second viewing.

Film Nutritional Value:

Rango

* Content: High. At its heart this joyful entertainment reminds us of the importance of caring, authenticity and trust.

* Entertainment: High. As meaningful as its moral, Rango is not a message film. Instead it’s a delightful parody of every Western (and many a movie) cliché and tradition all adding up for a lot of fun for any age.

* Message: High. This nutritious film — with all the entertainment it offers — manages to touch us as well partly because of the amazing vocal work of Johnny Depp.

* Relevance: High. Any opportunity to share an entertaining film with entire family is relevant.

* Opportunity for Dialogue: High. After you share this film, talk with your children about the fun you have had and the qualities that make the lizard such an unlikely yet endearing movie hero.

(Rango is rated PG. The film runs 107 minutes.)

5 Popcorn Buckets

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