Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers – Movie Review
97 Minutes, Rated PG
Written by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand
Directed by Akiva Schaffer
**NOTE: this post will be updated with audio once we actually have the chance to talk about it. Until then, enjoy this brief look at my thoughts. Stay tuned.**
Synopsis:
Thirty years after their popular television show ended, chipmunks Chip and Dale live very different lives. When a cast member from the original series mysteriously disappears, the pair must reunite to save their friend.
Wow. Okay.
Umm…
Yeah, I wasn’t expecting this. Not sure how I missed what had likely been a huge PR push by Disney, but I did, so imagine my surprise when I got to watch it prior to release.
I was like, “what the hell is this?”
This is exactly what the synopsis says it is.
“Different lives” for Chip and Dale, indeed. After the cancellation of Rescue Rangers (in part due to Dale’s aborted, spy-themed, solo project, “Double-0-Dale”), Chip is now selling insurance and Dale is (pretty unsuccessfully) working the nostalgia convention circuit, with not active projects on the horizon, despite undergoing his 3D procedure, as so many other classic toons have done.
This explains the differing appearance between the two, of course, but it still doesn’t explain why this movie exists.
Sure, sure… the two chipmunks have been fan favorites (mine included) since they were first introduced way back in “oh-my-God-I’m-old, so why wouldn’t Disney consider bringing them back in some capacity?
Here’s the thing, though; it seems as if Hollywood (and Disney in particular) can only resurrect (reanimate?) existing properties in order to produce material. Rarely does it feel as if a new bit of IP hits the scene from Disney (see: Star Wars, “live action” CGI remakes, etc.).
One could reasonably assume, then, that Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers is just the latest in a long line of uninspired cash-grabs using an existing IP with a shoddy reboot to capitalize on some nostalgia.
And to be honest, I don’t know if that’s actually correct.
Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers is one of two things; it’s either the aforementioned terrible recycled IP cash-grab, OR
it’s an absolutely brilliant takedown of the modern reboot/reimagining/sequel culture that is currently holding near-absolute sway over the entertainment industry right now.
That’s not to say there aren’t some cute moments here, but I’m not sure if this is targeted at the folks who watched the show originally or as an attempt to bring in new fans.
I really don’t.
Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers is currently streaming on Disney+ and features John Mulaney and Andy Samberg (as the voices of Chip and Dale), KiKi Lane, Keegan Michael-Key, Tress MacNeille, tim Robinson, Seth Rogen, and J.K. Simmons.
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