The Lone Ranger [DVD] [2013]

The Lone Ranger wasn't what critics and the general public were expecting. It takes the primary characters in a different direction - with a different sensibility and sense of humor - than the ol' Clayton Moore series. With that comes some good and bad, but the negativity the movie received during its theatrical release was also somewhat of an overreaction. The final 30 minutes are classic blockbuster, but the preceding 120 (yes, it's a 2.5 hour movie) focus quite a bit on Tonto and the continuing isolation and decimation of Native Americans. It's also told primarily in flashback, with an intriguing setup that is used to facilitate that storytelling device. It's far from perfect, lacks the spunky dialogue of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and could have been much more fun, but it's still loaded with interesting ideas that deserve their chance to be viewed. As for the Blu-ray itself, given the theatrical run's commercial disappointment, Disney didn't put much effort at all into the supplemental features. There's no running commentary, no Second Screen. Just a handful of very standard items. At least the Best Buy exclusive also included the Wanted album via download - and a bonus track on top of that with Hans Zimmer's take on the William Tell Overture.

I imagine the core audience members venturing out to see this latest incarnation of the masked avenger have no connection with the original series that first premiered in 1949 and I imagine anyone who might have loved the original western series is likely too old at this point to even care about this film. That leaves one to wonder who exactly was pining for a big screen version of The Lone Ranger, but regardless it was easy to see what Disney was attempting to do here. Bringing back mega-producer Jerry Bruckheimer and pairing him with the Pirates trilogy director and star in hopes of launching another massively successful franchise that would spurn untold millions in merchandise and attractions at their parks. With a rumored budget of nearly $250 million the mouse house is betting big on Depp and his eccentric version of Tonto, but even if that plan doesn't pan out (and it probably won't) what Verbinski and his team have delivered here is a meditated account of a modern western. Granted, I'm not overly familiar with the genre and have only seen a handful or so of these kinds of genre pictures from their heyday (and one Buster Keaton silent comedy in film school) it is clear where the inspiration is coming from.

I watched the original TV show a little when I was young, but I have no strong attachment to it. So I went into this film with no pre-set expectations. I found it to be solidly entertaining... even though it didn't get a great reception at the box office when it was in theaters. High production values, likeable cast, and a well shot western backdrop are strong points. There are some very cool action setpieces involving trains that will be a lot of fun for any railroad enthusiasts. Johnny Depp's performance is 'quirky' in a way that's similar to what he's done in Pirates of the Caribbean, Alice in Wonderland, and other recent 'eccentric character' films. So you're enjoyment of his performances in those films is probably a good indicator of whether or not you will like his character in this movie.

I had heard this movie was a waste of time. If you are one who feels compelled To stay with the same character studies as in older films, you might feel that way. Growing up with The Lone Ranger tv series, I admit t a bit of bias going in. However, I found the movie to hold to the same values as put forward By Clayton Moore, Jay Silverheels, and others from way back when. How they did it with this movie, well, you will just have to watch to see. Glad I spent the money on it. BTW the DVD add on features, especially the Cowboy Classroom, were very nearly worth the price of admission. A word about Johnny Depp. What an actor! His comedic timing as well as his ability to bring forth a strong character when one is called for is right there on the pinnacle of greatness. Mark my word, he will be honored as one of the greats of Hollywood before he is done.

The Lone Ranger that I remember was the Western equivalent of Superman; invincible and inspiring. Unfortunately, Disney tried copying the premise of the Pirates movies and employing the accidental hero (Jack Sparrow) strategy. While that plot device worked for Pirates, it does not work here. The Lone Ranger bumbling through the first half of the movie is not what I expected. Johnny Depp as Tonto is also not strong. It is not until the end of the movie does the Lone Ranger come close to hero of early television. Despite all this, I was looking forward to the deleted scenes reel. This was a major disappointment as one of the scenes was not even done by real actors, but computer generated to show what the scene might have looked like.

If you are looking for a fun, entertaining western with a modern editing style, this is the movie for you. Yes, the narrative does slow down at times, but it's always good to pay attention because they come back up later on. Last half hour of the movie was the greatest with a good 20 minutes action sequence involving a train chase. There are other issues in this film, where it seems like it could pass for a kids movie, with a bit of comedy. But at times it gets very serious, and all of a sudden if become an adult film where a kid should not watch it. I can see why people would hate it, but you have to go in there for a ride, not to break the film apart.

The Lone Ranger was a fun action movie, a good "popcorn" flick, with a sense of humor. The story is a bit stock, but there are plenty of great moments that make up for any lack of depth. Arnie Hammer is a good Lone Ranger, but Johnny Depp steals the show as Tonto. I really wish I had gone to see it in theaters. I was excited about it until I heard the words "flop" bandied about by critics. These are the same talking heads who trounced cult faves like "John Carter" and "Dredd" before they even hit theatres, I think. Ignore them! This is a fun movie!

Disney's The Lone Ranger is easily one of the most overlooked films in the last decade. It's been lambasted for a slew of reasons that are not the most fair when the film is looked at objectively. The perpetually shifting tone & overall length of the film are the only fair criticisms, in my opinion. Other than that, this film is a fun summer blockbuster that brings you back to the West in a way only a Disney $250 million budget film can. Highly Recommended! Pick up a copy today!