34 - The Lone Ranger (2013)

I generally avoid reading the reviews before seeing a film, but I had seen a couple of scathing reviews of The Lone Ranger and realized they didn’t want me to see the film. Having seen the trailer, I decided I wanted to see the film when it came out and did. I definitely felt the negative critics were wrong.

I spent a lot of time after the film trying to analyze why critics disliked what I found enjoyable.

Was it because it was a Disney film, following in the footsteps of something like Pirates of the Caribbean series? Disney films make a lot of money and therefore become prime targets by those upset at how popular the merchandising becomes connected to the film.

Was it because Johnny Depp makes lots of money and creates another quirky character, complete with a crow he wears on his head? (Surprisingly that detail is one that research into native American history is based a painting by Kirby Sattler: I am Crow.)

Some were upset that Johnny Depp is playing a native American, although the publicity department stressed that Depp's genetic background has some native American blood.

One critic felt the film dealt with issues that were too adult for what should have been a child oriented film—it is Disney after all. Immediately Bambi pops into my mind where the fawn's mother is killed within the first reel. I do agree that the film is definitely not intended for a children audience--the humor is way over their heads and the horror more descriptive than seen. When the main character’s good-guy brother is killed, his heart is eaten by the villain and another character vomits in reaction; the film at that point definitely moves out of the child’s realm.  True, however, we only see the heart episode reflected in the Lone Ranger’s eyes.

Perhaps people were upset that in updating the film, the focus has shifted from The Lone Ranger’s viewpoint to Tonto’s. I liked the bookend device of having the old Tonto tell the story while in a sideshow carnival in 1930s San Francisco. 

I also enjoyed watching the Lone Ranger story that we know taking shape. Tonto in the film is the character who talks with Silver, the white horse who is loco and at one point ends up in a tree. When the great train chase begins which becomes the centerpiece of the last section of the film, I cheered along with many in the audience when the Lone Ranger rides silver to the “William Tell Overture” theme. The Lone Ranger’s mask and hat become running gags, as does the Lone Ranger’s relationship with Silver.

Depp makes his Tonto grumpy and wise and funny. Armie Hammer plays The Lone Ranger against the heroric mold of the original character, but we watch his transition through the film as he goes from city dude into epic hero. Tom Wilkinson plays a villain who has no qualms harming a lady and her child.

The film is long (2-1/2 hours) and in 3D, but held my interest throughout.Talking with friends on Facebook, we all agreed that the humor and the adventure of the film made for a fun movie—and we disagreed with the critics.

The Lone Ranger (2013) ****