When “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was released in 1988, it earned accolades in the world of animation. Including animation in live-action footage was undoubtedly not a new concept, but including the toons as living, breathing characters that could tangibly interact with the natural world had not been successfully done before. Robert Zemeckis’ mystery/comedy film changed all that.

Artists drew directly on the film cells. They looked at the shadows and light in the live-action world and applied them to all the animated toons. For years, animated characters floated through the real world, never really looking like they belonged. “Roger Rabbit” animators made every toon’s eye-line match with the actors’, ensuring that the animations were as lifelike as could be.

“Roger Rabbit” successfully blended Disney and Looney Tunes characters. It entertained audiences and left a lasting impression that is still featured in Hollywood. Some films like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” blew audiences away with their multiverse of franchises, while other films like “Space Jam: A New Legacy” left audiences cringing at the number of IPs included.

Many have said that “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” should not have a true sequel, and while there have been some whispers of it in Hollywood, nothing has been done. “Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers” may not be that direct sequel, but it is certainly an homage. And it is a well-done, entertaining homage.

A Chip ‘n’ Dale movie based on their 90s Disney Channel cartoon seems like an odd decision, just from a filmmaking perspective. It’s a 30-year-old kids’ cartoon; why should this be a feature film? However, “Chip ‘N Dale” has again blended toon franchises to the same entertaining effect that “Roger Rabbit” established.

The 2022 film is a love letter to Millennials. It references 90s films and television and today’s memes and internet-famous faces. Remember the ugly, uncanny-valley Sonic the Hedgehog from 2020 that the internet collectively chastised? He’s a major supporting character. Disney has somehow accumulated properties from dozens of studios and franchises. There is even a brief “South Park” cameo. Randy Marsh is in a Disney movie. What timeline are we in?

The writing tries a little too hard to give the story a heart, and it feels forced toward the end of the film. However, the humor is on point. The film will leave you laughing with hilarious gags, character reveals and witty dialogue. It is a little surprising, seeing as how the trailer didn’t do the upcoming film any good. Once the film was released on Disney’s streaming service, the internet noticed, and word spread quickly: The film is funny; check it out.

“Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers” respects the legacy that “Roger Rabbit” set before it by including a few little references. The film is self-aware and does not take itself too seriously. It may not be as emotionally moving as a Pixar film (even though it tries), but sometimes all we need is a few hours of fun, stupid humor. As Roger Rabbit himself said, “But I’m a toon. Toons are supposed to make people laugh.”