‘Kung Fu Panda 2’ Spot Lands Too
After a truly golden few years for animation, 2011 is looking a little fallow. There’s the usual mix of uninspiring also-rans, with the likes of “Gnomeo and Juliet,” “Mars Needs Moms” and “Rio” all hitting in the next few months, but even the big dogs seem to have decided not to really bother this time around, with Pixar, Dreamworks and Warner Bros all turning out sequels to less-than-beloved originals in the form of “Cars 2,” “Kung Fu Panda 2,” “Puss In Boots” and “Happy Feet 2.” We’re moderately hopeful about Aardman’s latest, “Arthur Christmas,” and Steven Spielberg‘s “The Adventures of Tintin,” but for the most part, the embarrassment of riches that animation fans have been treated to in the last few years seems to have dried up.
Except, that is, for “Rango.” Industrial Light & Magic‘s solo debut in the CGI animation world, which reteams the star and the director of the original “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Johnny Depp and Gore Verbinski. Ever since the baffling teaser trailer, every subsequent look has made us a little more intrigued by a film that seems pretty out-there, with a fairly unique sense of humor and some truly stunning animation.
Ahead of the big game on Sunday, Paramount has premiered a new Superbowl TV spot for the film over at Apple and, while most of the footage is familiar, it again signifies that this could be something of a breath of fresh air in a year of animated sequels. We’re still feeling a little Johnny Depp-ed, out, but the supporting cast, which also includes Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, Bill Nighy, Ray Winstone, Timothy Olyphant, Alfred Molina, Harry Dean Stanton, Ned Beatty and Stephen Root, will hopefully carry it home. Watch the clip after the jump.
The film will also feature a score from Hans Zimmer, who’s brought in legendary Mexican-American band Los Lobos to aid the mariachi-infused vibe, and Pop & Hiss has debuted the band’s theme song to the movie, and it’s kind of ace: reminiscent of classic Western themes like “Rawhide,” it’s immediately iconic, and bodes well for the film. Again, you can listen below for yourselves.
The soundtrack for the picture hits download outlets via independent label Anti- on March 1st, with a physical release to follow two weeks later. The movie, meanwhile, hits theaters a month from now, on March 4th, and we’re genuinely looking forward to it .
Los Lobos – Rango Theme Song by antirecords
And oh yeah, “Kung Fu Panda 2” will also have a spot that unveils during the Super Bowl. It spells “rock” like “wok” — hilarious! Check it out below.