Smart, witty, satirical, hip, "Rango" is a hit

Rating: 7/10 (7 March 2011)

*** out of (****)
After the plethora of abysmal, Hollywood-glossed 3D animation productions, I thought a sleeper hit of such genre would never make its comeback. Boy was I wrong. Rango is an oddball of a movie, a hipster one you could say. It's an animated film that hits all the right notes, and hits those notes hard. Pixar has definitely got competition on their hands. For once, a kids film isn't in the third dimensions. Don't get me wrong, the fad played its course, and I had fun with it, but 3D has overstayed its welcome a bit. What next? "Precious 2... in 3D!". However, regardless of what reviewers say, this film isn't certainly for everyone. In fact, I hardly think this is a kids movie. With subtle sexual one-liners, and bits of profanity sprinkled here and there, it seems more mature. Not to mention its sophisticated, dry-pan humor. However, if you get this film, it's just all that much better. And apparently, most people got it.
Rango revolves around the namesake protagonist who has been escorted from a vehicle, and has his feet planted on the other hot, western part of the city. There, Rango tries to assimilate in his new place by becoming a hero. However, the city is suffering from a drought, and Rango may have a few obstacles in his way. Can Rango still be a hero? Will the drought be gone? Will the townspeople have someone to count on?
Yes, I'm fully aware you can answer those questions faster than Lindsay Lohan can try to cover up her sanity, but this film isn't about the twists and turns. It's about the ride. Let's talk about acting chops. Everyone here is exceptional in their role, especially Depp. Depp just has that charisma and undeniable wit, which makes his character that much stronger. Fisher can sass and charm into just about anything. She's definitely something. As for the rest, they play their characters respectively well. I'm not one to complain. Furthermore, the script is very hip. The jokes are very intelligent, hit every demographic, and pull a strong punch. To put the cherry on top, on a technical level, "Rango" shines. The animation is just so immersing, and I can slip into the picture. Also, I love just how much fun this movie is. The western vibe, the slick action, the line delivery of jokes. It's just all good.
While this is a fine piece of filmmaking, there's a few bumps in the road. For one, the movie takes a while to get going. The opening twenty or so minutes is just very dry and "Rango" doesn't find its footing. It does when its about mid-way, but picks up momentum as it progresses. Furthermore, I think the film tried too hard in some areas, and too little in others. Also, is it just me or is this movie long? I enjoyed the film but my god, it just never ended. There were at least four times I thought it would end, and there'd be ten more minutes.
All in all, "Rango" is an odd fellar. It has some gaps to fill, but the ride is still moving. It's entertaining, fresh, cool. Seek out a matinée, at least. Even if the film doesn't quench your acquired taste, the technical aspect of it certainly will. Smart, witty, satirical, hip, "Rango" is a hit.