by Heath Lynch, Contributing Writer
Months back, when I first saw Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers on the release calendar, I was beyond nervous. I loved the original cartoon, but it very clearly looked like another generic and lame nostalgia baiting cash grab. But here we are at release… and I am tickled pink. Because this is far more than just a cash grab. It’s Lonely Island producing a smart comedy that feels like a Who Framed Roger Rabbit for a new generation, blended with the original ‘90s Rescue Rangers cartoon, while also delivering a lot of great meta commentary on the state of Hollywood. Yeah, this will stumble into every story cliché you can imagine along the way, but you’re gonna have one heck of a time laughing all runtime long as it happens.
This new chipmunk gumshoe adventure takes place in the present, 30 years after the cancellation of the Rescue Rangers cartoon. Chip (John Mulaney) is living a lonely and discouraging life as an insurance salesman. Dale (Andy Samberg) is attempting to relive the glory days, but stalking the convention circuit and attempting to get a reboot of the old cartoon off the ground. Equally lonely and discouraging. But Chip and Dale are thrust back together as one of their supporting cast mates from the old days, Monterey Jack (Eric Bana), goes missing. This leads our titular chipmunks to actually live the life they acted out so many years ago, as they become detectives hellbent on investigating the seedy underworld of animated toons. In particular, one shadowy figure known only as Sweet Pete (Will Arnett).
Let’s be honest and upfront with ourselves — this movie has no right being as good as it is. If you’re expecting this to be like more of the Disney+ fair that you’ve come to fear, such as Home Sweet Home Alone or Godmothered, then fear not. This bucks all your expectations, in the best way possible.
The stylization of this animation feels at once familiar and original. It’s bright and colorful, filling the screen with vibrant and energetic images. The way in which they’re brought into the real world, interacting with all that’s around them, takes hybrid live action animations to new heights. Akiva Schaffer’s clear vision and unique brand of humor is a big part of that success. There’s never a moment of doubt in this project; it’s dripping with confidence. As well, the Lonely Island aesthetic is all over this, but contained in a wholesome and family friendly PG package. That’s not to say that it’s diminished or toned down. It has all of the spunk of Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, without all the adult vulgarity. That passion and fire is still there leading to literal laugh a minute gags. I found myself cackling with joy at some of the jokes throughout this movie, and my smile never left my face.
The self-awareness of this picture is arguably the biggest part of why this works so damn well. Very wisely, it never tries to make a sincere traditional attempt at a reboot. This is not a movie set in a world where the Rescue Rangers have never existed, trying to rebrand this intellectual property for a new generation. Instead, it plays directly against the current Hollywood trend of mining the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s for nostalgia meant to lure back audiences to the theaters and their television sets. It acknowledges the existence of not only the original ‘90s cartoon, including its failings, but all of the other franchises that Hollywood simply will not let die these days — franchises that Hollywood is forcefully resurrecting, or creating weird crossovers to blend things together that have no business interacting with one another. This film’s ability to poke fun at itself while making Hollywood look in the mirror is like a standup comedian absolutely killing it on stage because they are a master at self-deprecating humor. The ability to be aware of your flaws and point them out can lead to tremendous humor when done well.
It’s actually shocking how smoothly this goes over, especially given how many properties are referenced directly in this film. Of course you would come to expect Disney using their own stories for generic references and cameos. But it’s all the other properties from other studios that make this great. One repeating cameo from another studio that actively makes fun of a poorly received decision is the most astounding. It will leave you in stitches, while leaving you wondering how these studios were able to play so well in the sandbox together. A rare sight these days. This is not Space Jam: A New Legacy, thankfully, which only came across as a massive advertisement for Warner Bros. This actually feels like a thoroughly constructed world in which cartoons are real, and they interact and live alongside live action human beings. The world building here is tremendous. You will see, as I’ve already referenced, a lot of reviews and people explaining how this feels like Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Frankly, that’s because it pretty much is. The parallels and comparisons are inescapable. This could’ve been to the movie’s detriment, but it’s handled with so much respect and appreciation that it comes off perfectly.
Huge shout out as well to the voice acting performances throughout this picture. I would never have expected Mulaney to play such a straight man when he is known for his dry, witty humor. Of course Samberg is absolutely crushing it with his goofy antics and eternally optimistic nature. Bana and Arnett are fantastic, bringing authenticity and originality to their roles. Random cameos from the likes of Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, Jim Cummings, and Paul Rudd are welcome and hilarious. Personally, I really appreciated the scene stealing nature of J.K. Simmons. He is easily one of the best performers working these days, and whether it’s live action or animated he is always crushing it.
There were however elements of the movie that prevented me from going fully head over heels. Although this is very clearly a loving and respectful tribute to Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, when it comes down to it the plot is nearly identical to that ‘80s masterpiece. Just because you are borrowing from something, and you’re able to be meta and self-aware enough to point out some of your shortcomings, does not give you a complete free pass to blatantly rip off identical story elements of a superior film. I would’ve enjoyed seeing a little bit more originality in the story. Additionally, there’s really not much depth to the film. By the time the credits roll it plays like a standard children’s film. Maybe studios like Illumination haven’t evolved past that yet, but Disney, and especially Pixar, have. I expect Disney to give me more these days. So while I do appreciate this movie, it’s lacking in any amount of depth that would make this film blow me out of the water, or make me want to rewatch it beyond simple jokes.
Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers is a solid film — a good experience for kids and families alike, as well as for adults who may be nostalgic for the original ‘90s cartoon. While it’s not as mind blowing as its inspiration, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, it’s certainly a huge ball of entertainment, and one of the best comedies of the year so far.
Score: 7/10
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