Rango (2011)

Shame, Depp. Shame. I did not like this movie. And this isn’t like Paranormal Activity, where I was expecting a lot and got a terrible film. Here, I was expecting a mediocre film and I got a film that is terrible. Now, after hearing a lot of great things about Rango, I started to warm up to it more on my expectations. Even so much that I was smiling when we were about to start the film. And while I did enjoy the first 5 or so minutes of this film, it all went downhill from there. And I have to say that there were a few moments that I did like about the film. One or two parts, I laughed out loud or just shook my head in amazement. And for the rest of the part, I wasn’t necessarily bored, I was just disappointed. One of my main complaints is the story, and that is one that the creators could never get around. I’m not really a huge fan of westerns, or animal-centric films (the main exception to this rule being Finding Nemo). Nobody could help that. Then it was the characters. I love Johnny Depp, but even he couldn’t bring life to a character as mean-spirited and self-centered (and often one-dimensional) as the title character to this film. Also, too much of the film is centered on him. My favorite movie is Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, who has a very self-centered character, but has enough time for the supporting characters so that I didn’t mind. Here, it’s just a big sloppily-written mess around this jerk lizard who I didn’t feel for at all. Now for the other aspects. The animation is spectacular, for me possibly the best animation for a film I’ve ever seen. But while it makes me not completely hate the film, it’s not enough to redeem the film. It’s like 2012. Great visuals, but not enough to redeem it from an obviously hastily written script and a lackluster production. For those out there that love these kinds of films and are die-hard fans of Johnny Depp (I couldn’t even tell it was him), I’d say probably rent it. For anyone outside the spectrum, don’t even spend a buck to rent it at Redbox. It’s just not worth it.
3.5/10