Bingo!

Rating: 8/10 (11 May 2015)

Rango (2011): Dir: Gore Verbinski / Voices: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, Ned Beatty, Bill Nighy: A send off to western classics with Johnny Depp voicing a chameleon named Rango, who is stranded in the desert. He happens upon a town called Dirt and as predictable formula goes, he puts on a charade as to who his true nature is. He sells himself as a sheriff who is to solve the town's water issues until he is driven out of town and exposed. Director Gore Verbinski peppers in as many film references as possible, however, the film's nature is too adult oriented for young children who may be drawn to the film's striking images. The animation is glorious detail of colours and shadows allowing it to resemble the films that inspired it. Depp voices Rango as a sense of his role in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. A slacker who is thrown into reality until faced with the truth and true heroism. This involves a showdown that climaxes with more intelligence than expected. Isla Fisher voices Beans, an iguana, romantic interest with a strong sense of facing enemies. Abigail Breslin voices Priscilla, an Aye-Aye or cactus mouse who is one of the town's smallest residence. Ned Beatty voices the leading villain, a tortoise that bears a striking resemblance to the mannerisms and speech of John Huston in Chinatown. Finally we have Bill Nighy voices the menacing Rattlesnake Jake, feared gunslinger and Rango's greatest adversary. This is all done with exquisite animated detail that rivals that of the best of the genre. Theme regards elevation to one's fullest potential and coming face to face with truth. Score: 8 / 10