Rango Review: About a Man and his Deeds

In what is a rare occurrence, the whole family went to a movie.  Thanks to a gift card given to us by a member, the admission only required a small loan.

We went to see Rango, it being the closest thing to a kids’ movie that was out.  And while there any many things I could write about (the usual civilization is evil stuff, the unnecessary cursing, the way in which kids could in no way understand most of the dialogue), I want to write about the most important thing I and Rango learned from the man mistaken to be the “Spirit of the West’.”

What was the message of this movie?  It is the message of mainstream culture.  “Whatever way you end up being nice to people is okay.  Just do good things and you will be a hero.”  The movie was filled with religious imagery.  There was everything from crosses in the cemetery, a bible which ended up being signed by Rango, and a native American medicine man leading everyone around.  There was also the ritual of the congregation seeking water (that will preach this Sunday), the praying to the “Spirit of the West,” and the rousing “Hallelujahs” and “Amens.”

Rango was told that he needed to cross the road, a metaphor played out literally.  Once on the other side, he found a man who Rango thought was “the Spirit of the West,” the supposed deity of the movie. 

That man told him that everyone would see what they needed to see.  In other words, some would be Christian, others would follow something like Native American nature worship, others something wildly different.  That did not matter.  What mattered was that in the end they realized that life was simply all about doing good to others.  Isn’t that what all religions teach anyways? (Just in case you don’t know, the answer is, “Yes.  Save one, Christianity.”)

He also was told he did not find what he was looking for on the other side of the road.   Yes, Rango needed not find some deity.  He only needed to find himself and the deeds he should do, in this case rescuing the desert from the evil city using up all the water.  He only needed to do good right where he was.

This is what the majority of nonbelievers believe in our day.  There is no God, at least not one of any consequence.  Man is ultimately the deity.  Any religion that you need to get you to be a nice person is fine.  Doing good  is defined as never doing anything that could be perceived as mean.   That is it.

Sadly, one review I read before going claimed this movie was essentially Christian.  Why?  Because that reviewer has been tricked into thinking that the heart of Christianity is the golden rule and not the wooden cross.  He thinks as so many Christians do that being nice is what the faith is all about.  If it is, Rango is right.  Any religion free of meanies will do.  

(Click here to see the poster above full size.  It is on the site of the organization (Scarboro Missions) that uses this misunderstanding to foster interfaith dialogue and what they understand to be mission work.  The poster image vividly shows the misunderstanding which so many operate with.)