Standard-Examiner movie critic?

W

ho says the Western is dead??

No one had better say that around Rango, the toughest animated lizard to ever set claw in the Mojave Desert — or at least that’s what he’d like others to think.?Rango (voiced by Johnny Depp) finds himself stranded along the highway after his homey aquarium goes flying out of the back of a car apparently owned by Mr. Gonzo himself, Hunter S. Thompson (or at least as Depp portrayed him in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”). ?That’s a reference (among many) that might fly over the heads of your younger offspring, although it didn’t seem to bother those attending an advance screening of the film. They might just look at you funny and wonder what you’re laughing about. They’ll do that more and more over the years — you might as well get used to it.?A semi-wise old armadillo (Alfred Molina) tells Rango that what he seeks is in the desert, in a little old ghost town called Dirt. With no other options, Rango sets out, although he is ill-prepared for life outside his safe little glass box.?There are some tough hombres out in the Wild West, and if he’s to survive, he’ll have to reinvent himself as a tough-guy stranger with a sense of adventure and a super-inflated resume.?Fortunately, he’s able to back his claims with some good luck against a terrorizing hawk that intended to have Rango as an after-dinner mint. ?The town’s critters are so impressed, he’s immediately made sheriff by the old turtle mayor (Ned Beatty), who has plans of his own for Rango.?The most pressing item on the agenda is water — or the lack thereof. For some reason, it’s all but gone, except for some in reserve at the local bank. Even that supply will last only a few more days — and everyone and their prairie dog is trying to steal it.?Rango, along with Miss Beans (Isla Fisher) and a posse of concerned citizens, sets out to solve the mystery, but Rango’s resolve will be tested when his real identity is revealed.?Only the Spirit of the West (Timothy Olyphant) can remind Rango of his true purpose. He must return to face his demons, no matter the odds.?So, this is strangely inspiring, with a bit of an edge, but is visually stunning and quite entertaining (although it would have worked even better if it had been a tad shorter).?”Rango” feels familiar, but somehow refreshing. Much of it rides on the shoulders of Johnny Depp’s exuberant personality and the pure enjoyment he brings to this lovable character.?Add to that all of the creativity, including the owl mariachi band that narrates the tale. “Rango” is part spaghetti Western, part surrealism, partly frightening, but mostly heroic.?I think the grown-ups will enjoy this more than their kids, but that’s only fair considering how many times it’s been the other way around.?Three cheers for “Rango” — it’s muy bueno.?

Steve Salles can be reached at films@standard.net.