Rango

Lest you think that I only ever watch classic movies, I thought I'd set the record straight.  I do enjoy a lot of today's movies, and I like to think I'm a fan of most eras and genres in the movies.  Yesterday I got to see a new animated feature from Dreamworks Animation, called "Rango".  What a cool movie!  It's about a lizard who unexpectedly finds himself wandering in the Arizona desert.  He happens upon the town of Dirt, a town in the midst of a dramatic water shortage, where he becomes known as Rango, the local sherriff.  Voiced by Johnny Depp, our hero eventually saves the town from the evil forces that are stealing all the water, and in the process learns who he really is and what's important in life.

Rango is a highly original movie, which in this age of remakes and superheros is so refreshing.  It's funny, full of action and thrills, and has a terrific voice cast.  There's a lot of references to classic spaghetti westerns, both in dialog and music, and there's even a musical reference to "The Blue Danube" and "The Ride of the Valkyries".  It was such a treat, and I highly recommend it.  

Note: Rango is rated PG, and although it is suitable for children, they probably won't "get" it.  The jokes are more easily understood by grown-ups.