The arrival of Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers on Disney+ comes with two major surprises. That they actually got away with it; and that it works. Straying away from the animated show of the late-80s-early-90s this modern day take sees the chipmunk duo of Chip (John Mulaney) and Dale (Andy Samberg) split up, fulfilling their own careers away from their faded limelight. The former sells insurance while the other attempts to cash in on his former stardom at fan conventions, stuck at a quiet stall near the hilariously included Ugly Sonic (Tim Robinson).

Ugly Sonic is just one of many references and appearances throughout the film which show off a world of hybrid animations - even for the two central figures, Chip in standard 2D, while Dale has taken advantage of CG surgery. While a number conjure up a chuckle most help to flesh out the truly meta nature of the world, and indeed the narrative. Figures such as Randy from South Park and Shrek are seen - most surprising for not being Disney products - while the chipmunk duo attempt to track down their old co-star Monterey Jack (Eric Bana) when it’s believed that he’s been kidnapped, with the threat of being reanimated to star in bad knock-off movies.

Yet, with so many references and characters popping up the film manages not to get bogged down by not allowing such elements to become the main focus. Yes, there are a handful of points (such as the reanimation idea) weaved into the narrative, but almost always the film is concerned with moving the plot along than making jokes in and around the self-aware nature of the world - with enough meta moments to give the Animaniacs a run for their money.

This is particularly evident from the opening of the second half when the plot truly kicks in. It’s here where narrative becomes more of the focus over gags, however, overtime, there’s enough of a balancing out, including with the aforementioned blended ideas, to make for a continued enjoyable time.

The plot moves along fairly well and makes for amusing viewing, and even feels like something almost unexpected from Disney. It doesn’t exactly create a fresh feeling - some have compared this to Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which I don’t overly see, but even that was (understandably) released under the more adult Touchstone Pictures label rather than the core Disney banner - but there’s an undeniable click which helps bring you into the film’s world.

Generally, things go together rather well within this updated outing for the Rescue Rangers, much like the new take on the pairing of Chip and Dale. While much of the amusement comes from the meta points the narrative often remains the central focus and the film is better off for that. Although, perhaps the biggest surprise is the fact that it actually works!

Jamie Skinner - Four stars