Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers isn’t a reboot but a comeback of the world famous chipmunk detectives in an all-new adventure.
If you’ve watched the trailer already, you should probably know that it gives too much of the film away. We already know from the trailer that Disney is taking advantage of their library of characters. It works in the film’s best interest much like a similar occurrence in Ralph Breaks The Internet. There are many other surprises–not shown in the trailer–that you’ll discover upon pressing play. But for now, I’m saying nothing. Nothing! What I will say is this: Disney is leaving money on the table by sending the film to streaming. Their comeback could certainly be a hit film of the summer! I can understand why the studio is sending the film to streaming but still, there is money being left on the table.
The Rescue Rangers comeback also reunites the entire team. Beyond Chip ‘n Dale, Gadget Hackwrench, Monterey Jack, and Zipper are all back for this go-around. Although, to be fair, one of them mysteriously disappears and that’s what brings everyone back together. Meanwhile, both Tress MacNeille and Corey Burton reprise their roles for the flashback scenes. For someone who grew up watching Chip ‘n Dale on television, I had a lot of fun watching this hybrid sequel to the series. Well, it’s less of a sequel in that it gives off the approach that they were only acting in the series.
I like how screenwriters Dan Gregor and Doug Mand also approach the film. They are the perfect writers for this nostalgic adventure. It isn’t just that the film is hysterical but they approach the film as if the two chipmunks are no different than humans. Off the air since their last episode aired in 1990, Chip (John Mulaney) now works in insurance while Dale (Andy Samberg) hits up the Fan Cons. The Fan Cons are where the film packs a lot of punch with its cameos. Many of which are in the trailers. Unfortunately, not everyone is portrayed by the same voices. Seth Rogen has double-duty with portraying a motion capture character and reprising Pumbaa.
Regarding the visuals. there’s a lot about Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers that reminds me of Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Funny enough, the Robert Zemeckis hybrid mystery comedy was also released by Disney through the late Touchstone Pictures label. In many ways, this film is its modern-day equivalent. Not just due to an investigation at play but because of how the film features scenes with animated characters talking with humans. Unlike the 1988 hit, this one will not lead to another Disney Renaissance. It may attract younger audiences to watch the original cartoon series. Robert Zemeckis will probably never make a sequel so Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers is as close as it gets to a spiritual sequel of Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
The film offers us a chance to just sit back and have fun. There’s never a shortage of humor no matter which direction we’re looking. At the end of the day, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers blends both live-action and animation as the film offers viewers a completely nostalgic adventure.
DIRECTOR: Akiva Schaffer
SCREENWRITERS: Dan Gregor and Doug Mand
CAST: John Mulaney, Andy Samberg, KiKi Layne, Will Arnett, Eric Bana, Flula Borg, Dennis Haysbert, Keegan-Michael Key, Tress MacNeille, Tim Robinson, Seth Rogen, J.K. Simmons, Chris Parnell
Disney+ will release Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers on May 20, 2022. Grade: 4/5
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