"Rango:" Johnny Depp As Chameleon

I was almost at a loss for words when writing this review. And I’m never at a loss for words. That’s why they pay me the big bucks. (Joke for my fellow journalists.)

Why? Because “Rango,” the epic story of one lost chameleon’s search for himself (and for water) is so not what I thought it was going to be. It left me confused and a little unsettled. I blame the preview.

I was quite surprised when I saw said preview, which proudly introduces its star, JOHNNY DEPP. In big letters, just like that. You can practically hear the producers’ squeals of delight. 

I thought, Johnny Depp? In a kids cartoon? Really?

After seeing the Nickelodeon production, which also features the voices of Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin and Bill Nighy, it makes a heck of a lot more sense.

Firstly, if anyone in Hollywood has earned the right to play a chameleon, it’s Depp. Willy Wonka. Edward Scissorhands. Captain Jack Sparrow. Don Juan DeMarco.

Depp is an actor’s actor, always changing, always scintillating. As a reptile with a thespian mindset, Depp brings the many voices of Rango to life with the same panache that he exudes during his live performances.

Secondly, this movie ain’t for kids. Not even close.

Rango’s Aaron-Sorkin-like patter aside – Depp threatens his enemies by suggesting he’ll “braise them in clarified butter,” for example – this film’s vivid animation results in very realistic and dark imagery (birds of prey carrying animals off to their death, arrows through eyeballs, cockroaches carrying limp bodies, etc). There are also menacing villains (real menacing, not Disney menacing) and a storyline that is simple at face value but only truly interesting when viewed with an adult’s inquisitive eye.

While on a quest to find water, Rango (a lost pet) stumbles upon the old frontier town of "Dirt." After some smooth talking, Rango gets himself appointed Sheriff and soon finds himself trying to solve the town's biggest problem and mystery: Where has all the water gone? 

At its heart, this movie is one soul’s journey for meaning, justice and redemption.

Now, you can have deep meaning and still retain a sense of lightheartedness and humor – think Pixar’s “Wall-E.” But save a few moments at the beginning and maybe a few more sprinkled throughout, “Rango” is not lighthearted, and it’s really not that funny. 

It’s a good film, from a critic’s perspective. It has action, drama, purpose and a hero for whom you want cheer. However, it’s much more enjoyable if you know what you’re getting into going in: A dramedy Western with hipster appeal.

 Me? I just felt duped.