Chip ‘N Dale Rescue Rangers movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Chip ‘N Dale Rescue Rangers

This cute and clever animation is now playing exclusively on Disney+

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 36 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

In “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers,” Chip and Dale are living amongst cartoons and humans in modern-day Los Angeles, but their lives are quite different now. It has been decades since their successful television series was canceled, and Chip (voice of John Mulaney) has succumbed to a life of suburban domesticity as an insurance salesman. Dale (voice of Andy Sandberg), has had CGI surgery and works the nostalgia convention circuit, desperate to relive his glory days. When a former castmate mysteriously disappears, Chip and Dale must repair their broken friendship and take on their Rescue Rangers detective personas once again to save their friend’s life and solve the mystery.

THINGS I LIKED:

John Mulaney and Andy Samberg offer delightful voices to buddies Chip and Dale. For true fans, you’ll get to hear Corey Burton’s voice from the 1988 Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers movie. Listen carefully and you’ll also hear the talented voices of Will Arnett, Eric Bana, Dennis Haysbert, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, J.K. Simmons, Chris Parnell, and Flula Borg. Kiki Layne adds a nice touch.
I’ve always loved the look of combining animation with live-action. Visually, there are plenty of entertaining things to see in each scene. Dale explains “It’s no secret I had the CGI surgery done.” Seeing the two differently created chipmunks next to one another is a sweet illustration of the history of animation. There’s a cute scene that shows them both in a variety of animation styles. One of my sons is a 3D animation artist at Blizzard. I think he would really appreciate the artistry in this film.
I’ve never been a real Chip ‘n Dale fan, so I wasn’t expecting much from this movie. It absolutely exceeded my expectations and over-delivered.
If you’re a cinephile, you’ll love all of the movie references.
Tons of cute animation cameos.
It’s nice to see Disney poke fun at itself.
Adults who love all of these intellectual properties will get a kick out of this movie a lot more than kids will.
“Muppet Fights!” ha ha
Lots of humor. So much humor! This movie actually made me laugh out loud many times.
If you ever watched the TV series FAT CAT, you’ll recognize Jim Cummings’ voice in this film, as well as other characters he has voiced for Disney over the years.
Post Malone sings the rebooted version of the Chip ‘n Dale song at the end of the movie.
So many Easter eggs for fans.
Keep watching during the rolling credits at the end of the movie for a bunch of cute images that tell “the rest of the story”, as well as one more final, quick scene.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The plot is the least interesting part of the movie. All of the fun is had in the visual and spoken gags that fly fast throughout the entire time.
Die-hard fans of these little chipmunks might not appreciate the adult male voices which deviate from their traditional high-pitched voices.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Animated violence

THEMES:

Friendship
Loyalty
Teamwork
Bootleg movies
Animation styles
Taking risks

FUNNY LINES:

* “Thanks for sharing that absolutely bonkers story.” – Chip (John Mulaney)

“You’re going to like the way you look. I guarantee it!” – Peter Pan “You’re never going to get away with it!” – Kiki Layne “The Men’s Warehouse comment? I think I will.” – Peter Pan