Review of Rango (2011) by Kristi M — 12 Sep 2013

It's undoubtedly quirky and out there- lot of fun and very clever (I didn't catch some things until I watched it a few times, so it's one that gets better the more you watch it). There are a lot of movie references while following the spaghetti western formula including Star Wars.

I totally loved the unexpected Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas reference and the Clint Eastwood homage as the Spirit of the West. It works on more levels than you initially notice- the adult themed jokes are done in a way that is deadpan so the adults get it but it goes over the younger viewer's heads without even realizing they missed anything and the kids catch more of the sight gags.

I didn't realize at first it was directed by the same guy as Pirates of the Caribbean and after I found that out I even caught sight references to the Pirates movies as well. It's really kind of brilliant because the references have the same effect as pop references except for the fact that they reference movie classics instead of current fads that will quickly become dated.

People with a more offbeat sense of humor will love it, those that don't will be middle of the road but it definitely deserves the awards given.