Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers is an absolute blast from start to finish. Jam packed with cameos, this film has a Who Framed Roger Rabbit “real life” feel.
Everyone’s favorite goofy duo is back in Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. This movie isn’t really a reboot, more like a behind the scenes look at the “real” lives of Chip and Dale. Think Who Framed Roger Rabbit meets Space Jam: A New Legacy. It is filled to the brim with cameos that are a blast to pick out in nearly every scene. The references to other movies will have viewers cackling. This is a truly a family friendly comedy that will impress and delight audiences of all ages.
The story follows Chip and Dale as they must work together for the first time in a long while, in order to solve a mystery and save a friend from immanent danger. However, they aren’t the Rescue Rangers we are used to, but rather actors who played these parts in the television series fans know and love. Seeing this side of Chip and Dale, in what feels like their real lives versus a scripted show, works wonderfully.
Andy Samberg (voice of Dale) and John Mulaney (voice of Chip) have great comedic chemistry. The two of them make this movie what it is as they work together extremely well. Both are perfectly cast as their chipmunk counterparts, with Chip being the serious one, and Dale being the silly one. They give their all to their characters and even though they don’t always talk in that high pitched voice that fans are used to, they really pull it off as believable versions of these characters.
J.K. Simmons voices police chief Putty, and while he has a bit of a smaller role, it is very clear the man was having a blast in the recording booth. He goes all out in this role and it really works.
Sometimes the humor can be a bit on the cheesy side (quite literally), but it is all in good fun. First and foremost this is a family friendly film, but audiences of all ages will more than likely enjoy it — especially fans of early Disney cartoons, and Chip ‘n Dale.
While Kiki Layne is great as Ellie, the humans in this world are the biggest issue with the film. There aren’t many of them, but they look out of place often. It can be tough trying to make a live action / CG hybrid film, especially when the characters interact with each other. That is when this movie falters, however, it doesn’t take away from the story or the fun. Ellie is a great addition to the cast in terms of the storytelling. Watching her join forces with Chip and Dale makes for some of the best moments in the movie.
As seen in the trailer, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers has a lot of cameos from fan favorite characters, obscure ones, and even some that are not Disney property. There is one surprise character in particular that ends up being a larger part of this story than could ever be imagined, and it is absolutely hilarious. There are some scenes at a fan convention (again, as seen in the trailer), that opens up the door for a ton of cameos. Some of them are blink and you’ll miss it, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
Along with the cameos of characters, there are references to other films, as well. Basically Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers is one giant Easter egg filled with fan service — but the best part is it has a really good story too. Trying to figure the mystery out as more clues are given is something that viewers will have a blast doing with their families. By the time all is revealed, the audience’s cheeks will be hurting from all of the smiling and laughing.
Akiva Schaffer is the director, and this movie is very much what you would expect from him and The Lonely Island gang. It is self-aware, hilarious, and a whole ton of fun. It isn’t perfect, but it is certainly worth watching.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
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About Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers
A comeback 30 years in the making, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers catches up with the former Disney Afternoon television stars in modern-day Los Angeles.
A hybrid live-action/CG animated action-comedy, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers premieres May 20, 2022, exclusively on Disney+.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.