Saturday, March 5, 2011

Rango Review and the iPad 2

RANGO

The critics were right - it’s quirky as hell!
The animation is staggeringly beautiful. This is as close to real as it gets - very soon, you won’t be able to tell the difference. Yes, it’s that impressive. The hair, the feathers, the texture - just incredible!
The story is a mishmash of a dozen different westerns. The existential comedy gives nods to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, High Noon, and pretty much any Sergio Leone film.
It’s a little overlong, with a slower pace and a few stand out action set pieces. And again, it’s quirky. Small kids won’t get the humor. It’s more unusual funny than laugh out loud funny.
After over hyping Johnny Depp as the voice of Rango, he really blends. The character is inexperienced but not a bumbling idiot, and we see him grow over the course of the movie.
Overall, I enjoyed it! You should go for the visual feast - and stay for the quirkiness.

The iPad 2

First, it is NOT available for preorder. The iPad 2 goes on sale at 5 pm on March 11.

In the meantime, all first gen iPads are $100 off. Yes, until 5 pm this coming Friday, when they will all be removed from the marketplace, the iPad 1 is $100 cheaper. (That’s just how Apple rolls.)

What’s new? Let me give you a brief rundown.

It’s thinner (8.8mm) and lighter (1.3 pounds) and now available in white. It now has a dual core chip. It now has dual cameras and Facetime capability. It offers AirPlay, where you can view your iPad on your TV. In the area of software, it offers a revamped iMovie and GarageBand, Apple's two excellent programs for video and music editing. Prices will remain unchanged.

For more information:
Apple Store
iPad 1 vs. iPad 2
What’s Changed

And for those trying to decide which tablet to buy - a Comparison Keep in mind the gigantic platform that is iTunes - the iTunes/iBookstore/apps store has no equal.

Those are the specs!

Will I be buying an iPad 2 next Friday night?

Yeah, I’m a geek - I’ll be there before 5 pm!

Any other geeks? Rango opinions? More Hot Tamales you’d care to throw?

77 comments:

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Am I ever glad I dropped by because I am wanting to get an iPad and $100 off sounds wonderful. So I have until Friday? Thanks for the tip.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

So what's the best price I should look for if all I want is the first generation iPad, no bells and whistles just for basic online stuff and reading.

Kristin said...

Darn!!! I was hoping it would be like the iPhone and when the next gen came out you could still buy the older generation at a lower price. Looks like I might have to try to buy a used one from someone who is upgrading.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I'm looking forward to Rango myself, Alex. But THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU is calling to me. Only one movie could I fit into my schedule this weekend. Sigh.

I have a laptop so an Ipad sings no alluring songs for me. My Toshiba (with the free Kindle for PC) would only get jealous! LOL.

Have a great weekend, Roland

mshatch said...

I'm with Roland, Adjustment Bureau first, then Battle Los Angeles. I know, it could suck, but the special effects look amazing and I like Michelle Rodriguez; she plays one tough chick. As for Rango, I'll add that to my netflick list -unless I suddenly acquire a lot more time. Thanks for the reviews :)

Charles Gramlich said...

Rango has intrigued me more than almost any other illustrated movie I've seen come up lately. I'm gonna have to watch it.

The Happy Whisk said...

Haven't seen the movie or use an iPad but I wanted to comment because even still, I enjoyed the way you put together this post. I am interested in a graphics tablet. We bought one not long ago but it was from pad to screen, and I want to draw directly on the pad, while at the table or couch.

Hope you're having a yummy day, Alex. Not much new here today. We both have off and might hit a cafe today.

Happy Writing & Eating.

Rusty Carl said...

No way I'm getting another iPad now. I already have two of the first gen ones laying around. I pretty much only use it to read. So why did I get the most expensive model they have - twice?

Cause that's just how I roll.

And March looks like movie heavy month for me. I don't know how I'm going to fit them all in.

Rusty Carl said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Karen, the first iPad is still amazing. It depends on the size you need for storage - 16GB $399, 32GB $499, and the 64GB $599. Those are the WiFi ones 3G is higher.

Kristin, you have until Friday to get an old one for cheaper.

Roland, I have several PCs, a laptop, an iTouch, AND an iPad - one can never have too much geek stuff.

Mshatch, can't go wrong with Adjustment Bureau - it's getting great reviews as well.

Charles, I think it's right up your alley!

Jules said...

I caught Ebert's review of Rango last night, fascinated me that the actors acted out the script which translated into the animation.

iPod 1 or 2, I wish :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Unknown said...

Can't wait to see Rango. I read that the actors all acted out their roles and they used that as the basis for animation. I think they said it was the first time voice actors for an animated feature were all in studio together recording their parts and acting them out. Most of the time they even meet face to face. Like just yesterday, the guy who voiced Bambi and the guy who voiced Thumper met for the first time.

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see Rango; glad it warranted a positive review!

Unknown said...

Oh, thank you for the good Rango review. I'd heard it was horrible from someone I knew, but I trust your movie judgment more, so I'm terribly relieved.

Can't wait to see how that iPad2 treats you! :P I just got my spiffy iPhone4 so I'm good without one haha.

Freek said...

I like how technology allows for better and better 3d animation. I mean look at Toy Story today. The likes of Ice Age and, more recently, Kung Fu Panda have clearly set a higher standard and everyone just keeps raising it every year.

Bryan Russell said...

For some reason, I think seeing Rango will fit in the budget better than an iPad2...

RaShelle Workman said...

Hey Alex - Rango sounds fun. Don't know that I'll be able to take the kids if there are boring parts.

The ipad2? I love tech but I haven't tried it. In fact I just saw an ipad (for real) a couple of weeks ago.

Anne R. Allen said...

Thanks for the review of Rango--can't wait to see it. I love your list of comparable films. I'm now picturing Hunter S. Thompson, Gary Cooper, and Clint Eastwood in a film together. Could have been be explosive.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I loved Rango! Quirky does fit the description.

Witless Exposition said...

I wasn't sure about Rango (and the husband still isn't), but I think I'll give it a try. If nothing else for the nostalgia and head nods to Leone's films.

No hot tamale throwing for the iPad, even though I'm not an Apple fan. Sorry, just can't get into the prices, mostly, and there's no reason for me to get one since I already have a smart phone and an e-reader.

I did want to stop by and let you know that I'm passing along the Stylish Blogger Award (what can I say I'm a sucker for binary). If you'd like you can check it out on my blog here.

Golden Eagle said...

Thanks for the review of Rango! It sounds like an interesting movie.

Laura Pauling said...

My son is going to see the movie this afternoon so I'm sure he'll love it. I wish I had a burning need (and the money) for an ipad, but I don't. Enjoy it.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

rango, looks like a ton of fun and visually spectacular.

thanks for the quicky, i mean the review.

jeremy

Jemi Fraser said...

I still haven't seen an iPad in action yet. I don't know anyone who owns one - small city Canada is apparently not high tech. I only know 2 other people who own an ereader too! :)

Li said...

Fab news about the iPad. Long story short, we have a student with certain disabilities and an iPad just might be a perfect solution. $100 off should put it within reach of budget. So, I'm going to get right on it! Thanks.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hey Whisk! I have a Wacom tablet as well, but what you're looking for is the their Cintiq model - graphic is right there on the tablet, priced $1000 for the 12WX and $2000 for the 21UX. Neither is wireless though - you will still be near your computer.

Rusty, that's not a bad way to roll. I do use mine all the time though. And just have to have the new one with the camera!

Melissa and Jules, yeah that's wild how they recorded the voices. It works well, though.

Amanda, as long as you have a tech toy to enjoy, that's what matters. And I can see how someone might not dig this film, but it was quirky fun.

Freek, this one just raised the bar even higher.

RaShelle, you just saw one? Hope you got to play with it a little.

Anne, if you like Clint, then there's a surprise for you in Rango...

Thanks, Witless - I saw the award earlier!

Jemi, that's wild - I must know twenty people with iPads.

li, the 16GB will be only $400 - just don't load it with a ton of movies, images and songs.

W.B. said...

Rango was a spectacular movie. Johnny Depp can act out any role. :)

I'm pumped for the iPad 2. I gotta say though, that's a really good price for an iPad 1. I don't have one yet, but I've decided to wait for the second version.

Old Kitty said...

ipad shmy-pad! I wanna see Rango!!
:-)

Take care
x

Denise Covey said...

I must rush out and buy the ole iPad. That's just the way I am! I just love a superseded model, ha ha. (I'm feeling chirpy 'cause I'm about to sit down and write a slap at the apps post...I might find a bit of material in your geeky post lol!)

Denise<3

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the Rango review. The lines were too long so we'll see it Monday at 3:00 after the kids get out of school. We're looking forward to it!

We'll see about the iPad. Too many things around the house need attention which translates into $$$. But we'll be purchasing something along this line shortly.

Chuck said...

Alex, with all the stuff you already have I believe when you buy the iPad2 you will officailly become a Best Buy franchisee! Very geeky cool!

Andrew said...

For as cool as the IPad is, I just don't think I really have any need for one. My Notebook does just about everything I might need an IPad to do, and it's cheaper.

Still, listening to the folks at Twit.tv plug these Apple products does, admittedly, make my long for some of this shiney new technology.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Alex I am still madly in love with Ipad no: 1 and you're on to Ipad 2.

Enjoyed the post.
Yvonne.

Ciara said...

I just received my first e-reader last Christmas. :) I'd love to see an iPad in person, oh and I'm curious about Mac, but don't tell my hubby he works for Dell. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

WB, glad you liked Rango as well. And go for the iPad 2!

Kitty, you just want to hear Johnny Depp's voice...

Denise - geeky?! Okay, it is.

Stephen, I'd hate to attend your movie theater!

Chuck, what can I say? I like my gadgets.

Andrew it's interesting that netbook sales took a 40% nosedive after the iPad came out. It's not the same as an actual computer, but it is superior in many other ways.

Yvonne, tell Daniel you want one!

Ciara, all of my PC's are Dell! I won't ever own a Mac, but I do like Apple's other gadgets.

Unknown said...

Cool,
I'm glad Rango is as great as I thought it might be. A defo then.

The Ipad, well I'm waiting for the one that is supposed to come out at the end of this year, it's supposed to be much better, although you can't do much wrong with this second one now, I guess.
Nahno ∗ McLein

Kelly Polark said...

My hubby just got an ipad for Christmas, and now he will be wanting this one (or wishing he waited!).

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I still can't afford any iPad but I'll smile listening to you rave about your newest gadget.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nahno, it started off really damned cool, so hard to get much better. I'll get the 2, but will probably wait for th 4 befor eupgrading again.

Kelly, there's not a huge difference. I just want the new one!

Susan, thanks for indulging me.

The Happy Whisk said...

Thanks, Alex. Way more than I want to spend. First, I want my Vita-Mix blender. Though, I'm thinking we're going to need a new car before we get the blender or graphics pad.

Gail said...

I remember being awed with the reality in Disney Cartoons...we've come a long way, baby!

The Words Crafter said...

My husband is getting the new ipad. I'm excited for him, but for me? Nah. My ipod is my bff :)

Love all your geeky stuff, btw. You and Honey would get along pretty well.

I don't know about Rango, but he did love The Adjustment Bureau.

Vegetarian Cannibal said...

I watched Rango for the first time yesterday! LOVED it! The animation was breathtaking...I didn't expect to like it so much but I was pleasantly surprised. :)

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks for the low down, Alex.

I am DYING for one, but don't have the funds at the moment.

BUT when I do...

Michael

Arlee Bird said...

Maybe I'll come around when they come out with Ipad 39. I've never been one to jump on the newest thing. Now let me get back to the Donkey Kong game I have installed on my TRS-80 computer.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Regina said...

Wonderful reviews on both. I have seen a lot of previews on Ringo and have thought it looks really cute. Now I already own an iPhone but have not broke down to buy the iPad. Waiting to let them get it all worked out and then will possibly get one. Thanks for the post.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Some day, I hope to understand and have the iPad. By that time, it'll likely be the iPad4500.
For now, I just want to say hello to you. Have a great weekend, and I'm glad to be back to the blogging thing.
xoRobyn

Jai Joshi said...

I always expect clever quirky humour from a Johnny Deep film. Can't wait to see this one. Thanks for the review.

Jai

Raquel Byrnes said...

So it is living up to the hype...thats good. My kids want to see this. I remember being so awwed by the fur on the Monsters Inc. movie...this is light years past that.

Don't get the whole iPad thing...waiting for the Xoom myself. Then again, I am a Droid girl.

Glynis Peters said...

Rango sounds like one for DH, thanks for sharing. Ipad sounds tempting!

Barbara said...

Thanks for sharing :) You got me all hyped up now! I'll definitely see Rango now. Thanks!

Michelle in a shell said...

I'm dying for the iPad. I try not to be technologically obsessed but I've been holding out since last year! I think I'm actually going to go through with it now

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Whisk, they are a bit out of my range as well.

Gail, yes we have.

Words, geeky stuff tends to be guy stuff. Don't know why. Probably has to do with women being smarter or something like that...

Vege, yeah the detail was amazing!

Lee, you kill me!

Jai, it IS quirky.

Raquel, just depends which platform you're used to.

Michelle, do it! Either the first one because it's a little cheaper or the new one because it's got new gadgets.

Cat Lavoie said...

Since I can't afford to get a shiny new iPad, I'm looking forward to the software update for my first-gen iPad coming out next Friday! Thanks for the Rango review! :)

Nicki Elson said...

Glad to hear you liked Rango. Our local guy gave it a decent review too, so perhaps there's a little family outing on the horizon.

Enjoy that new iPad!

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

Had visions of you being an overnight, first in line kinda guy. LOL

Think maybe the Adjustment Bureau is more to my liking.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nicki, it's quirky and fun.

Mary, I'm not crazy, just geeky!

Jennie Bailey said...

Mmmmm Hot Tamales! I picked up a box this week. Thanks! The Hubster and I enjoyed Rango in all its quirkiness! Our friends were less impressed but they're not into animation so much - I'm thinking that's why they didn't enjoy the visual feast. How much before 5pm will be there? Because then we know which level of Geek you fall into. None of the levels are bad.

Talli Roland said...

I have a way of damanging ever bit of technology I come near. I think I have something wrong with my magnetic field. I'll stay well away from your iPad, I promise!

Matt said...

While the first iPad was a break through item, the second iPad is no more than a slight hardware upgrade. The iPad 2 is not worth the money.

To see more about my opinion of the iPad 2 and why not to buy it:
http://besttechtoday.blogspot.com/

TerryLynnJohnson said...

I'm trying to come up with an excuse for an ipad. I have a smart phone. I have a new Kobo ereader. Hmmm. what else can they do? I have no idea what you mean by airplay and facetime. But it sounds like something I should have.
Love the movie reviews! I'm with mshach, I'm waiting for Battle LA!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I saw an extended preview of Rango and I soooo want to see the movie now. The animation is gorgeous!!!!

Ella said...

Rango sounds fun; Really that stunning, I'm impressed~

I want one, but another birthday in a few weeks,....mmh, wonder if Hubby wants one?!

Thanks Alex!

Unspoken said...

Sold, sold and sold.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jennie, I appreciated its quirkiness - glad you enjoyed it. I'll be there an hour before they go on sale. Guess that makes me a level four geek. Level ten camps out the night before!

Talli, unique superpower you have there!

Matt, no, but it comes with several new features and the camera alone has me sold. I have the money, so I will buy it!

Terry, it will do everything and more an iPhone can do and better - play movies, stream Netflix, word processing programs, photo and video editing programs...

Lynda, it's amazing!

Ella, get him an iPad and then steal it now and then!

Carolyn Abiad said...

Spot on review for Rango! Just saw it with the kids and we all felt the same way. It had a few "dry"" spots. :)

Saumya said...

Ohh so awesome!! Can't wait for the iPad. And we love you for being a geek, by the way :)

Karen M. Peterson said...

Rango looks like a lot of fun. I'd like to see that one. I'm all about the quirky.

As for the iPad...meh. I know it's cool and all, but I just can't justify the expense. Between my laptop and my smart phone, I can already do pretty much everything you get with an iPad.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Carolyn, it wasn't perfect, but it was definitely unique.

Saumya, my wife thinks geeky is sexy.

Karen, it's better than an iPhone or iTouch but the size of a netbook and has an eReader. Okay, and it's just a cool geeky toy.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

I can't wait to see Rango! It looks quite stunning, visually, plus quirkiness is always a good thing ;) Great review, Alex! You made me wanna see it even more.

Rick Watson said...

I'm getting one of those iPads. I just got a Mac and absolutely love it.

M Pax said...

Rango sounds fun enough. Thanks for the tip on that. :)

Okie said...

Thanks for the write-up on Rango. I was toying with taking my kids to see it last weekend, but we went bowling instead. :)

Still, it looks like a lot of fun and from the sounds of things it's got quirky adult humor alongside the joyful animation fun that kids will love.

On the iPad...I'm actually tempted to get an iPad v1 for the discount, but still can't bring myself to fork over the $$$. I'm a cheapskate for things that I (honestly) won't user much. Granted, I could "compel" myself to use it in place of my paper notebook in meetings and my laptop in larger meetings...but honestly, most of the time if I'm on a computer, I'm there for the horsepower and multi-tasking needs. I'm also still bummed that Apple has so thoroughly burned their bridge with Flash as to prevent it showing up on their devices for a while.

It's one of those things I'll probably eventually pick up as another fun gadget to entertain at home and fill in the occasional gaps for productivity.

Amy said...

I saw Rango this weekend and enjoyed it. I think your review nailed it, I agree with what you said.
Just got my iPad so I won't be getting an iPad2 anytime soon.

Hannah said...

Yeah, I can't justify rushing to Apple for anything when there's going to be a new something in six months.

Rango is on my list. I love Johnny Depp!

Pat Tillett said...

My daughter also told me that I MUST see Rango! So between the two of you, I'm convinced!

An organization that I'm a part of just bought me a new Ipad to use. Too bad it couldn't have happened about 3 weeks later!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nebular, I will be watching for your review.

Life, you wil dig it!!

Okie, you'll use it far more often than you realize. And with so many websites moving away from Flash, I hardly notice the lack of it on the iPad.

Amy, thanks - vindication! And yeah, no need to upgrade unless you just have to have it.

Pat - go! And at least you have one now, so you'll understand why I rave about it all the time.