If you’d told us that “Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers” would be amongst our favorite films of the year so far, we’d call you nuts! (That’s a little rodent humor for you). The live-action / animation hybrid is a clever and boundary pushing romp.
The film features the titular chipmunks as actors who happened to star in the hit series “Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers”. Time has not been the kindest of mistresses for the duo. It’s a sharp commentary on nostalgia and the modern fame machine as we follow these two gumshoes in their modern lives.
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Chip n Dale – Reunited and it Feels So Okay
Our crime fighters reunite when one of their friends finds themselves in peril. We won’t spoil the specifics of the misdeeds that drive the plot because we want you to enjoy the absurdity of them. Truly we found ourselves cackling at being surprised the ingenuity of some of it.
Yet the film is most successful in creeping right up to the line of ludicrous, and then knowing when to reel it back. It reminds us a bit of “Galaxy Quest” in that it truly understands the fanbase who loved the original, but also is capable of poking loving fun at the more ridiculous aspects of it.
There is a treasure trove of references for the crowd who have spent the last 30 years with the Rescue Rangers. There’s also plenty for younger audiences. However we were truly blown away by how many easter eggs and animation history deep cuts they were able to include. They all feel well integrated into the plot (instead of pandering).
Fans of The Lonely Island will recognize the preposterous flair that director Akiva Schaffer brings to the project. He’s paired with fellow Islander Andy Samberg who voices Dale, and John Mulaney as Chip. The rest of the voice and human cast are nothing to sneeze at either. KiKi Layne, Eric Bana, Will Arnett, Flula Borg, Dennis Haysbert, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, and J.K. Simmons all lend their talents to the film.
Our biggest notes were that the animation itself sometimes doesn’t hold up. Considering the project comes from Disney themselves you’d think they’d have that aspect down pat… The third act also slows a bit as they try to infuse a sense of action that might not be necessary.
Overall “Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers” is a delight that might even exceed the joy the original series brought. It’s streaming now on Disney+.
