The Los Angeles Irish Film Festival – Screening: Knuckle

Posted on October 16, 2011 by Rachael

Thank goodness for older sisters! They really do come in handy, especially when you’re thirteen and need someone with a more mature, authoritative voice to threaten legal action against a couple of idiots from school that keep prank calling your house in the summer between 7th-8th grade. Wait. Wait. Wrong anecdote.

I mean, thank goodness for my sister taking an interest in my more eccentric hobbies (like pretending Glass of Win is a legitimate press that warrants access to awesome events). She drove us to the legendary Aero Theater in balmy Santa Monica on Sunday, October 2nd, the final day of the festival. We arrived painfully early but that gave us plenty of time to chat with the volunteers and pitch in a bit as they prepared the hospitality room next door to the theater – not to mention fiddle with the settings on my camera so that I could take photos of the Q and A after the screening of the documentary Knuckle.

Attendees started to file in to the hospitality room, furnished in part by Rosemarie McCaffrey Antiques, with rare photographs of The Beatles were hung on the wall for all to admire. The hospitality room offered guests a cozy place to have a drink and a light snack before we were called to take our seats at the Aero.

Documentary: Knuckle
Filmmaker/Director: Ian Palmer
Synopsis: Residing in Ireland, the Travellers are a traditionally nomadic clan with a deep sense of communal pride. In a feat of dogged persistence, documentarian Ian Palmer followed the Travellers for 12 years, becoming close with the people and their traditions, particularly James Quinn McDonagh, the confident if reluctant bare-knuckle defender constantly called upon to fight his cousins.

This film struck an interest with me as soon as I read about it; the Irish traveler community has only recently begun to permit outsiders close enough to share their stories with the rest of the world. Their social structure and culture are always with one foot deeply rooted in traditions while the other foot is trying to balance in the modern world around them. While certain laws keep the travelers from being as nomadic as they once were, there are still many old customs that are kept, including the settling of tribal disputes through organized bare-knuckle fighting.

What initially began as a documentary about the Quinn McDonagh family history soon transformed into a twelve year immersion into the world of Irish Traveler bare-knuckle fighting. Filmmaker Ian Palmer was fortunate enough to be able to follow the Quinn McDonagh tribe for twelve years as a sort of impartial eye for the feuding between the Quinn McDonagh and their cousins, the Joyce family. It was very interesting to see how structured these fights are – the rigid rules that no family members of either fighters may be present least chaos and fighting breaks out, the use of referees from neutral families, and the fact that James Quinn McDonagh himself was a reluctant fighter at best, admitting in person during the Q & A that had he known he didn’t have to fight he would have opted out. Bare-knuckle fighting is a tradition that is beginning to show signs of wear as more parents are hesitant to encourage their sons to participate.

James Quinn McDonagh
During the post-film Q & A, Mr. Quinn McDonagh was asked how has the family reacted to the film upon its completion. He said they were very positive about it and that it “opens peoples eyes that it (the feud and subsequent fights) should’ve never happened.”

When someone inquired after his impressive fight record, Mr. Quinn McDonagh modestly replied, “I don’t think I was a good fighter. I was just better than those other guys.”

Both filmmaker and subject seem to be very humbled by the attention the film has received, deservedly so. Ian Palmer has two more documentaries about Irish travelers – The McDonagh Pictures and Vidra.

This was an amazing evening. I won’t go into details about my time after the movie; suffice to say I spent a number of hours in the hospitality room before heading off to the amazing after party at the renovated landmark hotel, The Shangri-La. We had a gorgeous view of late-night Santa Monica, the perfect backdrop to a glorious weekend of culture, film and new friends.

I am already eagerly anticipating the 5th annual Los Angeles Irish Film Festival. Keep your eyes and ears open for news at http://www.lairishfilm.com and be sure to read about the full programming for 2011 so you can look up these wonderful films if you missed out this year.

See you in 2012!

The Los Angeles Irish Film Festival: Opening Reception & Screening of The Guard

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Rachael

Serendipitous is one of my favorite words; it’s fun to say and it makes me sound like a walking thesaurus (which I used to read for fun). It is also the ideal word to describe how I was invited to the 4th annual Los Angeles Irish Film Festival, which ran from September 29th-October 2nd. I met its organizer and founder, Lisa McLaughlin, at the L.A. Street Food Festival manning (er, womanning) the Taste of Tunisia booth. She granted me permission to take photos and made an offhand comment about forgetting her own camera. Being the wonderfully giving person that I am (modest, too), I offered to take numerous photos for her and send them to her. I honored this and through email we discussed Ireland, where she was born and raised, and I shamelessly gushed about how much I looooooooooooooooved Ireland. Really? You like Ireland? How ‘bout Irish films? Of course! Well, hop on down to the L.A. Irish Film Festival!
Yeehaw.

I also asked to cover LAIFF for my blog (unbeknown to me it would take two weeks to post due to travel and connectivity) and was also asked to take “back up” pictures. My puny little SLR was the lowest bracket camera there, I assure, you, but as Lisa had rightfully asked a number of friends to play back up cameras, I didn’t wind up hyperventilating that the pressure was all on me.
Had I that magic carpet I back-ordered on Amazon years ago, I would have been able to attend every evening and screening, but alas, it was not meant to be and I was only able to RSVP for Thursday’s opening night ceremonies and screening of The Guard and Sunday’s documentary Knuckle at the AERO in Santa Monica (where all the official public screenings took place).

Thursday – Opening Night

First of all, I was trying very hard not to geek out on everyone who made eye contact with me and squeal about how excited I was to (a) not only be at my first film festival opening reception; (b) IRISH FILMS, HELLO! (c) At the historic Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Pickford Center in Hollywood. Mary Pickford, man! America’s First Sweetheart! (who was actually Canadian, but shhhh!)

Going in with the mentality that I was going to kiss as many industry bums as it took to get a real job, I wound up making pals with the volunteers and hanging on them all night. Sorry ‘bout that, fellas, but y’all are just more fun!

The first half hour (that turned into an hour – oops) was dedicated to complimentary cocktails provided by, Guinness (naturally), Harp, Bushmills Whisky and wines from Somma and Copper Ridge. Plus, you know, water, for the poor saps driving. Just kidding. Water is life, kids. Music waft around us as songwriter/producer/musician Keith Dickerhofe performed on the cello. Raffles were being sold to raise funds for the 2012 festival. Among the prizes included a catered dinner for 10, a gift certificate to Rosti Tuscan Kitchen, a signed poster of The Commitments, and a very rare Beatles photograph. I’m still a little sad I didn’t win anything. Aw.

Everyone was eventually ushered into the main screening room and Lisa Mclaughlin took stage to welcome everyone and introduce special guests, most notably the guest of honor, actress Fionnula Flanagan. You know Ms. Flanagan from such titles as LOST (Eloise Hawking), Waking Ned Divine, The Invention of Lying and most recently co-starring in The Guard.

The film started a wee late but was well worth the wait as we were treated to prose and song by the multifaceted Judith Mok with musical accompaniment by pianist Dearbhla Collins.

Screening: The Guard
Starring: Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle, Fionnula Flanagan and Liam Cunningham
Spoiler-Free Synopsis: A comedic fish-out-of-water tale of murder, blackmail, drug trafficking and rural police corruption. Two policemen must join forces to take on an international drug-smuggling gang – one, an unorthodox Irish policeman and the other, a straitlaced FBI agent. Sergeant Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) is an eccentric small-town cop with a confrontational and crass personality and a subversive sense of humor. A longtime policeman in County Galway, Boyle is a maverick with his own moral code. He has seen enough of the world to know there isn’t much to it and has had plenty of time to think about it. When a fellow police officer disappears and Boyle’s small town becomes key to a large drug trafficking investigation, he is forced to at least feign interest when dealing with the humorless FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) assigned to the case. And so the scene is set for an unlikely friendship and explosive finale.

You need to get out to your local art house theater and see this film. If you happen to be part of the Academy (and if you are, hi! can I work for you?) you need to nominate this film. And then you need to vote for it. It’s funny, dark, compelling, quirky and attention-grabbing. I dare not give away any plot points or spoilers, only to say that this is a well-thought out, exceptionally written, directed and acted film that deserves every bit of attention it garners. If you are unable to view it on the big screen, keep updated on its progress and be sure to rent it on DVD when it is available. Don’t take my word for it, though, check out the trailer:

After the movie it was time for appetizers and a little traditional Irish music accompanied with Irish dancing provided by The Ceili Dancers. Never mind it’s nearing 11 o’clock and there is an after party after this party (that I sadly did not attend). Everyone was snacking on fingers foods, helping themselves to their fourth, fifth, whatever drink and discussing The Guard. Or clapping along to the rhythm of the music and fancy footwork going on.

Having to leave the party prematurely due to idiotic unpreparedness, I bade farewell to my new acquaintances and went home, already anticipating Sunday.

More coming soon!

Sláinte!

Press Release: Lindsay Pulispher to portray Bonnie Parker

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Rachael

Hot Hot Hot off the presses! Lindsay Pulispher, best known for our lovable, kooky werepanther Crystal Norris in the HBO series True Blood, has just signed up to play Bonnie Parker in the new adaptation of the infamous criminal couple in The Story of Bonnie and Clyde by Cypress Moon Studios.

Writer, director and co-producer Tonya S. Holly says, “Lindsay will undoubtedly bring many layers to this critical role.” Taking place during the 1930′s Depression, the film follows the life and times of Bonnie and Clyde, uncovering many aspects of their lives that have never before been seen on the big screen.

Well, good on Lindsay! I’m looking forward to a new adaptation of Bonnie & Clyde. It’s always refreshing to see familiar but new upcoming faces in film, as well as a female writer/director taking charge of such a complicated American woman like Bonnie Parker. Good luck to Lindsay and Ms. Holly. I’m definitely going to be keeping my eyes and ears out for this one!

Photo Credit: J Squared Photography

Film Review: Fright Night (2011)

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Rachael

When I first caught wind of the Fright Night remake, I heard it was attached to Disney. Upon closer inspection, it was Touchstone, the company Disney uses to distribute more mature and un-Disneylike films. Still, I think the association made some people nervous (as it did with me) and people vaguely wondered if this was going to be another sanitized vampire film.
These people had nothing to fear.

Synopsis: Charley Brewster comes to suspect his new next door neighbor is a vampire. In an effort to defend those he cares for most, Charley attempts to recruit Las Vegas magician Peter Vincent, a self-proclaimed vampire expert.

Spoilers aren’t rampant, but just in case I’m putting a spoiler space.

I am a person who likes variety when it comes to vampires. I like vampires who like to mope and bitch about their existence, I like redneck vampires, I like New Wave biker gang vampires, I like children vampires, I like “out of the coffin” swamp sex vampires, and I like the classic vampire.

The vampires I tend to not enjoy are the warrior/hunter vampire (Blade, Anita Blake, Underworld) and the sparkly vampires (Twilight). With all of that said, I don’t think Twilight ruined vampires or set the genre back 1,000 years because those of us who have loved whatever kind of non-Twilight vampire we love will always continue to wave our fandom flag and spread the love around. It’s that love that got Fright Night remade into the vicious blood-splatter fest that it was. The kids who love Twilight will either use Edward and his merry band of human-hugging vamps as a stepping stone and grow to love other vampires or move on to another YA series because they were never going to like vampires in the first place.

Now let’s talk Fright Night.

The writing was tight, and within five minutes BAM! Vampire. He’s here, he’s your neighbor, and he wants to rip your fucking face off. What are you going to do about it, Charley? Oh, nothing? Say goodbye to your little friend. Yeah, I thought that might get your attention. Who ya gonna call now, huh?

This film was well executed in writing, setting, tone, sound, pace and direction. There were some clever quips that will put a smile on the faces of many a-Whedon fan and a nice cameo for fans of the original Fright Night. I never felt that the film lagged or went on longer than necessary. I jumped at the precise moments, grabbing onto my boyfriend (the anti-horror flick man) and cowered with the appropriate amount of trepidation I like to feel at a horror flick. The only problem? I didn’t know just what a serious flick this was going to be. Props to writer Marti Noxon and director Craig Gillespie.

As for the acting, well, I have to say that other than David Tennant (and Christopher Mintz-Plasse to a degree) everyone was fairly interchangeable.
Anton Yelchin in particular seems to be trying desperately to find his acting style, dangerously straddling this odd Jesse Eisenberg/Michael Cera thing in the movie that I just want him to avoid at all times in the future. However, props must be give to Anton as he makes for a pretty equally bad ass and asshat as Charley.
Toni Colette, gods know I love my Muriel, seemed to be there just for the ride (and paycheck) but I feel any “mom” actress would have been the same.
Aside from having one of the most unfortunate (and oddly adorable) surnames I ever did know, Imogen Poots was by far the most replaceable and could have been named Love Interest McGee for all I cared.
I’ve always been very neutral about Colin Farrell; I could take him or leave him. He did his job as Jerry the Vampire and that’s really all the praise I have for him.
Unapologetic scene stealing ham that he is, David Tennant triumphed as Peter Vincent. This was the character who needed to stand out, and David made sure to do Roddy McDowall justice by giving Peter the bravado he needed while still making the character his own.

Save for Tennant, nobody gave beyond the performance expected of them, though I don’t blame them in the least or consider it a negative. This wasn’t an intense character-study that needed seasoned thespians to transform themselves into their characters; this was a bloody, quasi-comedic vampire romp. Although, it is worthy to note that Heath Ledger was considered for the role of Jerry. Damn. Knowing what I know now, I would have loved to have seen that.

I could have used some more humor/camp but that’s my own personal preference and I realize this Fright Night wants to keep certain elements of individuality (as much as a film can have being a remake). Even my boyfriend, the anti-horror flick man, really enjoyed this film. Mostly for David Tennant and the strong writing, but hey, that’s okay.

Maybe it’s just me, but I feel the seriousness was deliberate and the humor capped because the film makers felt the need to MAKE a point ABOUT vampires and show their vicious, pointy-teeth bearing, blood-sucking, non-sparkling traits. Point taken, even though I feel it was unnecessary.
Regardless of its agenda (and I could be entirely wrong), Fright Night is worthy of your money and time as it was mine.

Fright Night (2011) Overall Rating
Story: A
Execution: A-
Would I recommend Fright Night (2011)? Yes. It’s not the original, but it doesn’t insult the original.
Would I buy Fright Night? Probably not, but I wouldn’t turn it away if it was gifted to me.
Can your mum watch it? Meh. Mine wouldn’t – not even for David Tennant because of the gore, but if your mom is into horror flicks she’d probably dig it.

Film Review: Welcome to the Rileys

Posted on April 12, 2011 by Rachael

I rented The Runaways last week and saw a preview for an interesting independent film called Welcome to the Rileys. It also co-stars Kristen Stewart. As I was pleased with her performance in The Runaways (and enjoyed that movie so much I put it in my Amazon Wish List) I decided to not only place Welcome to the Reilly’s in my queue, but sent it to #1. Tonight I watched it and wanted to review it since I figured The Runaways had enough reviews and this one may not.

Synopsis: The Riley’s lost their teenage daughter in a violent car accident. Eight years later, Doug Reilly (James Gandolfini) is a hollow, distant man still trying to make it through each day while Lois (Melissa Leo), his wife, lives in such constant anxiety that she has not left the house in years. A business trip takes Doug to New Orleans where he meets Mallory (Kristen Stewart), an underage stripper turning tricks to survive. Unable to switch off his paternal instincts, Doug is compelled to help her. (rent via Netflix)

Spoilers under the poster.

I’m going to address the pink elephant in the room straightaway and go forth with the acting grades.

James Gandolfini: A
It’s nice, albeit bizarre, to see James (A) sans Jersey/New York accent and (B) as a good guy! His accent was a little odd, a little Southern-ish?, though he and his wife lived in Indianapolis. Whatever the case, he was brilliant and above all, believable. He had the most layers to his character and executed them well.

Kristen Stewart: A
I’m surprisingly finding myself more and more a fan of Kristen Stewart. I won’t even touch on the landmine topic of Twilight, and everyone in Adventureland was blase, bored and irritating (as was the movie overall). I found her the best actress of The Runaways (though props to Dakota Fanning, whom I’ve loved since I Am Sam) and upon viewing Welcome to the Rileys, I know that The Runaways was not just a fluke. She’s an introverted kind of actress, one who seems to naturally internalize and mesh with her characters to give deeply affective performance.

Melissa Leo: B
Her character was a little messy, but that fault lies with the writer, not the actress doing her job. She did her job, and that’s all I can say, really. Anyone decent could have played this role, honestly.

The Overall Story: I like the overall story greatly. It’s poignant without being sappy (well, there were a few moments that got a little saccharine, but they were few and brief). Elements of surprise and predictability were both present, but nothing that overwhelmed or disappointed me. There are many parents who, after the death of their child, seek out to help other children in need. This movie showed an unconventional, roundabout way of doing so, and it was a good watch.

The Characters: It’s really all about Doug and Mallory (Alison), while Lois seems like an afterthought to lessen the potential creep factor from Doug’s relationship with Mallory. Lois was written with so many issues – agoraphobia, high anxiety, hypochondria, pill popping – yet these issues are piled on like decorative pillows on a bed, only to be discarded to the floor as they are just for show and not practicality. She was the only distracting part of the film, particularly when she was able to drive after years of confinement to her house, not to mention the scene at the diner. What was the point? To prove that because Doug had been able to find a mistress, Lois was not so shabby she’d be unable to find a fella? Whatever the case, she was the most unnecessarily complicated, yet oddly underdeveloped link of the film and could have just as well not been there.

The Ending: I’m satisfied with the ending. While in my heart of hearts, I am a sucker for happy endings and would have loved if Alison gave up her job and let the Riley’s adopt her, I know that this would not have been realistic (or true to the indie movie book of rules). However, I would have been extremely dissatisfied had the film gone in the complete opposite with Alison winding up dead, or some other melodrama (the ending of Foxes, anyone?). No, the ending was a realistic medium of Alison moving on from New Orleans, more than likely still in the same line of work, but still driven to keep in contact with Doug, who has learned to let her go.

Welcome to the Rileys Overall Rating
Story: A-
Execution: A-
Would I recommend Welcome to the Rileys? Yes
Would I buy Welcome to the Rileys? Probably not, but I wouldn’t turn it away if it was gifted to me.
Can your mum watch it? Yes, and my mom did and liked it just fine.

Media Monday: Team Unicorn + SuperHarmony

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Rachael

My friend Dianne from Defective Geeks got to conduct her first interview for LA Weekly: Team Unicorn: Sexy and Geeky Girls, They Do Exist!. Previously, out of the group I had only heard of Clare Grant and really only knew of her as that-girl-Seth-Green-fell-crazy-in-love-with-and-got-married-to. I didn’t know what the hell Team Unicorn was, what they did or if they were indeed really “geek girls” or had seen a couple of episodes of Batman: The Animated Series and called it a day. Turns out, they actually know their shit and like to create geeky theme videos. While I’m not big on their Katy Perry parody music video G33K and G4M3R GIRLS , their other comedic video Super Harmony has me ROFLMAO.
Enjoy.

I realize some girls had it rough for liking “geek” things, but I never had an issue. I was bullied for far more personal reasons than enjoying Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon, Batman and Star Wars. No one ever told me I couldn’t like comics because I was a girl, and I consider myself fortunate as it seems to have been problematic for a number of girls. While I am pleased to see more of my sex featured in geek themed comedy videos, I never thought that there was a deep shortage of us. Throughout my life, most of my friends have been female and have been into what would easily be classified as geek culture.

What about you – do you like Team Unicorn? Did you have a difficult time being accepted into geek culture, or find it difficult to find other girls?

Media Monday: A Wolf Loves Pork

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Rachael

A friend sent this to me. Take a moment to enjoy A Wolf Loves Pork by Taijin Takeuchi.

A Wolf Loves Pork

Learn More
Taijin’s (English) website
YouTube Channel – dokugyunyu

Media Monday: Clara, by Van Sowerwine

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Rachael

I first discovered the Australian artist Van Sowerwine via Myspace many years ago. She is an outstanding new media artist, and her range of mediums is impressive with stop motion animation, interactive, photography, painting and instillation. The subject matter of Van’s art is reflective of the darkness in childhood, often using miniatures and symbols of idyllic youth nostalgia. My first encounter with her work was Play With Me, an interactive stop animation not unlike a “choose your own adventure” if it was from the Nyturan Demonta with some truly twisted and thought-provoking outcomes. Every time Van teams up with fellow animator/artist Isobel Knowles I just know I’m in for a real treat.

Her short, Clara won a Special Mention Award in the Short Film Palme d’Or at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival and it is my treat to share it with you here today.

How did this film make you feel? What did you take away from it?

More Info:
Van Sowerwine website
Clara – the official site
Stills Gallery, Sydney – Van’s profile

Review: Rango

Posted on March 6, 2011 by Rachael

I’m wary when it comes to animated movies because I don’t know when I’m going to experience another Shrek (which was surprisingly awesome) or Hoodwinked (which is easily in the top three worst films I ever had to sit through, and takes the cake on worst kid movie I’ve ever had to endure) I had no intention of going to see Rango, but one of my aunts really wanted to see it for her birthday so to the movies my family and I went. On opening weekend. On a Saturday matinee. Oh, the children! There were so many…everything…multiplying like Gremlins right before my very eyes…

The theater was so packed that I split from my family, who only had the front-bottom row if they wanted to sit together. I found a nice second-to-last seat three rows from the top. A lively woman, her BFF and the BFF’s three kids sat in the first five seats. They were fun.

There was a preview for Hoodwinked 2, which I took as a very bad sign. Lord, what was I in for?

Spoiler-Free Synopsis: Rango, a civilized theatrically inclined chameleon winds up in the Mojave desert and stumbles upon the down-trodden old West style town of Dirt, where the water has mysteriously gone scarce. Seizing the opportunity to begin anew, Rango soon becomes sheriff and sets out to discover the truth about the missing water.

Spoilers below the poster.

I have mixed feelings about this movie, so here is a breakdown of what I liked and did not like.

Enjoyed:

- Aesthetic! I have never seen a more beautifully created CGI film. Industrial Light and Magic shouldn’t have to even wait for an Oscar, they ought to have one handed to them right now for this feat. From the scales, hair and skin on every animal to the gorgeous – dare I say “shots”? – of the breathtaking desert sky, the glow of the sunset, the dream sequences, everything was so masterfully crafted and treated with the utmost perfectionist quality.

- Shout outs to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Clint Eastwood and other films. On the downside, I often felt like I was watching a parody of classic films instead of something unique.

- Johnny Depp. I’m not a “OMG JOHNNY DEPP!” fan, but I have enjoyed his work since I was a kid and first saw him in Edward Scissorhands. While I’m not a fan of big-name screen actors taking away work from genuine, full-time voice actors, I did enjoy his performance enough to give him a special shout out. Many of Johnny’s contemporaries were not up to snuff, sad but not surprising, but Johnny certainly upped the ante for actors taking on animated characters.

- The score. Hans Zimmer knocks it out of the park once again.

Quibbles:

- I wasn’t a fan of the script. I felt the humor was forced at times, especially when it came to ensuring that the grown-ups in the audience had something to laugh at. It didn’t come as easily as the slapstick. Also, as I mentioned above, all of the “homages” and parodying took away from the film as it was definitely not its own film, but a sloppy hodge-podge of better, classic films.

- Run time. It runs at 1 hour and 47 minutes, which I felt was about twenty minutes too long. I was squirming, just dying to get out of my seat and leave. The film positively dragged sometimes.

- Unsympathetic characters. Aside from Rango, I didn’t give two hoots about anyone. Beans was annoying, the mayor predictable, the owls obnoxious, and the townsfolk completely soulless. That is, I don’t think they’re malicious but so severely lacking in depth.

- Overuse of the word “interesting” which I felt was a throwback to Pirates of the Caribbean (also directed by Gore Verbinski). Maybe I am reading into things too much but it was noticeably annoying.

- Beans. I don’t know if it was how she was written, or Isla Fisher’s obnoxious voice work, or a combination of the two but hot potatoes did I just want her to fall off a cliff. Quite a few of the townsfolk were also just as ear-gouging bothersome.

Aside:
Kids? People are saying this is not a kid movie. Oh, don’t take your kids because it’s not for them; there’s swearing. That’s total BS. This is completely a kids movie. It’s Nickelodeon for heaven’s sake, and last I looked, Nickelodeon had a hefty roster of cartoons with humor for both kids and adults. My theory to the critics who say “Rango isn’t for kids” is that many adults are so used to water-downed family movies that they forget plenty of PG movies of the past had scary imagery, a bit of swearing and dark themes/characters (Can we say The Secret of NIMH and All Dogs Go to Heaven?). Out of the audience, which was easily 85% under the age of fifteen, only one child cried during the film.

That’s a Wrap: I know I am in the minority with my feelings on Rango, but I cannot pretend I am enchanted with it as the rest of the critics and populace are. While I found Rango breathtakingly gorgeous to view, it was only momentarily clever, satirical to the point of aggravation, predictable and hopelessly mediocre.

Rango Overall Rating
Story: C+
Execution: A+ for aesthetics, B for acting, C for story.
Would I recommend Rango? For people with kids who wouldn’t get scared about things like snakes with a sub machine gun on its rattler, sure. Western enthusiasts might also get a kick out of the film. It’s also definitely worth a watch for the visuals and sound. If you end up enjoying the story, bonus.
Would I buy Rango? No.
Can your mum watch it? If she’s a western/Johnny Depp/animated film enthusiast like mine is, she’ll probably dig it a lot.

Glass of Win Pie Rating System gives Rango:

two and a half out of five pies!

Glass of Win

adventures of a food loving, globe-trekking geek girl extraordinaire

Category Archives: Film and Television