a worthwhile satirical take on the western genre

Rating: 9/10 (11 September 2019)

Gorgeous photo-realistic animation, brilliant voice cast, quality humor and solid drama, Rango is a rewarding adaption from the western genre that respects its root while taking risks few animated films go.
Rango is an ordinary pet who stumbles onto Dirt, a western town slowly dying from lack of water. With a knack for acting, he pretends to be a tough-talking drifter, utterly convincing that the townsfolk instantly believe his front. Through sheer luck, he manages to defeat a longtime enemy of the town, a hawk. After an unexpected victory, Rango become Dirt's sheriff, in charge of protecting the safety and well-being of his constituents. Turn of events during his authority uncover a sinister plot that lies at the heart of the town's hardships.
Aside from incredible technical qualities such as the score by multiple Academy winner Hans Zimmer and animation looking like real life (the lighting in particular deserves rave praise), Rango succeeds because it treats its characters well by giving them relatable motivations instead of resorting to mindless slapstick comedy. Johnny Depp, playing the titular character, is a nobody who pretends to be a hero and becomes a true hero. The fact that he pretends to be someone he is not presents an angle of guilt to the character, but this does not get explored deeply during his stay at Dirt. The weakness of the film is really in this aspect. Most of Rango's character development occurs in the beginning and finale. However, the supporting characters are great.
Beans, a resident of Dirt, drives the plot because of her refusal to sell her land to Mayor Tortoise John and discovery of a potential conspiracy to intentionally worsen the resident's living condition. The script did not make her a hapless female character, but a very strong one with convictions and principles. Tortoise John represents greed at its fullest, by cutting Dirt's water supply and killing anyone when necessary, even those who aid him in maintaining power, all in the name of unequal progress. Rattlesnake Jake is a paid outlaw who terrifies Dirt's residents under Tortoise John, but like Beans has principles, however wild they may be, when Tortoise John intended to kill him after nearly accomplishing his master plan. He is the catalyst for Rango to eventually find his true self by becoming the sheriff he was placed. Despite clocking less than 2-hours, Rango is also an epic drama involving characters outside of Dirt that makes the film a worthwhile satirical take on the western genre.
Rango is obscenely good, perfectly made for both adults and children.
8.5/10