If you were anything like me as a child of the 90’s, there is a special place in your heart for the beloved Disney Channel cartoon classic, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. With a catchy theme song and the cutest darn pint-sized detectives to hit the screen, this gem was a highlight of the Disney Afternoon line up.
In an age fueled with reboots and nostalgic reunions, Disney+ hopped on the bandwagon to give us Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers — a live action comedy adventure based on the hit series. And to clarify, in case you had any questions, Disney has already been advertising the film as a “comeback” and not a “reboot”.
That being said, the film picks up decades after the end of Rescue Rangers, where that and Dale (John Mulaney and Andy Samberg) went their separate ways. However, the two are brought together again after a former cast mate mysteriously disappears.
I had zero expectations going into this. The trailers looked mediocre, I hated that Peter Pan was transformed into a sleaze-ball, and to be honest, it feels kind of weird hearing the recognizable voices of Mulaney and Samberg acting as the adorable chipmunks I have loved my entire life.
However, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers is sharp, fast and genuinely funny. And although the plot was a little mucky at times, the film exceeded my expectations and I remain shocked with how smart, self aware and grown up this film is. Mulaney and Samberg provide great vocal performances with stellar chemistry.
If you’ve seen Who Framed Rodger Rabbit?, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers has a similar execution and style — meaning yes, this is your modern day animation multiverse, jam-packed with cameos and pop culture references. You know, sort of like what Space Jam 2 wanted to do.
Disney was very wise crafting a film specific for the demographic that grew up on the Disney Afternoon line up and I assure you, it will fuel your nostalgia and leave you smiling.
As for kids, I imagine they’ll enjoy the surface level of it, but it may take them a while to get really into it.
I mean, who can resist Chip and Dale?
Final Thoughts: Smart, funny and perfect for any Disney Channel kid at heart, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers is pure joy.
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