Rio/Rango: Seeing Double?

Two highly anticipated animated features. Both with one-word titles, starting with the letter “R”. And now, both with a strangely similar marketing campaign. At least this is what I thought when I spotted these posters displayed side-by-side at the Pacific Theatre in Glendale last night.

I’m not saying these are exact duplicates of each other, but is this the only way to sell an animated feature? Lead characters staring at the camera, zonked-out in the foreground, with the supporting cast behind them. I have high hopes for these two films. I know the stakes are high, and I know both are aiming for the same core audience – but please, Mr. Theater Manager, don’t post these posters next to each other. It looks a little silly.