Paramount’s new animated film Rango has left many parents — and anti-tobacco advocacy groups — fuming over the portrayal of characters smoking cigarettes and cigars. In fact, there are more than 60 instances of smoking throughout the PG-rated Western, according to Kori Titus, CEO of Breathe California, a Sacramento-based non-profit dedicated to clean air and anti-tobacco programs.

“While some in the film industry have taken preliminary steps to protect young audiences by making more movies smoke free, Paramount’s decision to include smoking in a movie designed for kids is really troubling,” said Cheryl G. Healton, DrPH, president and CEO of Legacy, the non-profit anti-smoking organization, in a statement released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Paramount spokesperson Virginia Lam says that the movie in no way glamorizes cigarettes: “The images of smoking in the film, which primarily involves the animals, are portrayed by supporting characters and are not intended to be celebrated or emulated." The title character, Rango – voiced by Johnny Depp – is never depicted smoking.

The Dangerous Influence of Smoking in Movies: Should you pass on a family trip to Rango this weekend because of the smoking? Just how risky is smoking on the silver screen for kids? According to a growing body of research, there’s clear evidence that children who are exposed to smoking in movies are more likely to take up the habit themselves.