Rango Appreciation Post

Rango Appreciation Post

When I first watched Rango I didn't really like it. The film was confusing and I felt like the creators were all high. It didn't occur until after several viewings how ingenious this film actually is. Not only is the animation cinematography freaking gorgeous, the plot of the film is really well done. Although the variety of characters can at times be almost too much, the creators tastefully weave them as to not be too distracting to the overall flow of the story. My favorite character is obviously Rango played by the amazing Johnny Depp. His character is a nobody at the beginning of the film, but creates a purpose and character for himself as the story unfolds. The overall style of the film is unique as it utilizes the technology of motion capture to create a vividly stunning world. 

Also the subject is well done. It's a take on the spaghetti westerns of the 1960's and 70's, primarily The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. They even have Blondie appear in the film as a spiritual guide to Rango as the chameleon tries to find his purpose in his own story. I also enjoyed the aspect that every so often the characters would break the third wall. Rango himself acknowledges that the hero himself cannot run out of his own story and at the beginning creates a basic reason for the plot to start. He stands in his tank at the beginning intellectually trying to understand how the main character needs to be forced into action or conflict and the plot force follows from there. It was very witty and a unique way of pushing the plot. Although the film was advertised to children, I find Rango to be one of the first animated films to be better liked amongst adults and critiques. It doesn't play down its plot for the kids, it just keeps going and following its own quirky tune.