The Lone Ranger

I had trepidation at seeing this movie because any of the reviews by movie critics didn't favor this movie. I went to the $1.50 movie. So, not spending much and going with lowered expectations. Here's what I think (As usual, spoilers).

I thought the movie was very good. The movie begins with Will, played by Mason Cook who is wearing the Lone Ranger hat and mask. He is looking into a western scene where there is a shriveled looking Native American with the crow on his head.

Will is darling as a modern little cowboy and he believes the Native American is mistaking him for the actual Lone Rancher.

As I was watching, I didn't realize I was looking at Johnny Depp as an older Tonto. I suspected, but wasn't sure. I couldn't confirm until the next flash forward.  I thought the scenes in the museum were humorous and endearing. I just loved that Tonto narrates the story. Sharing both characters back-story was very helpful, especially that of Tonto. We discover why he wears the crow atop his head, and how he is tortured by his own guilt from greed. This is a traditional Lone Ranger & Tonto story where they are trying to right the wrong.  We learn how a lawyer, John Reid played by Armie Hammer becomes the Lone Ranger & unites with Tonto.

Johnny Depp is eccentric, and I laughed out loud at his antics. His character isn't much different from some of the other characters he has been playing.  In some ways he is much tamer. I've heard he is truly Native American, and I also heard that he is not, but he was given honorary status as a Native American. Either way the group approved of his characterization.

This movie has a lot of violence, implied cannibalism, and discussions of cannibalism. There are also issues of rape.

Dan Reid played by James Badge Dale as the Lone Ranger's brother is a Texas Ranger in apprehension of Butch Cavendish played by William Fichtner. I am quickly becoming a fan of James Badge Dale. I recently saw him as the bad guy in Iron Man 3. I wish there were more of him in this movie. It wasn't until the credits ran that I saw Dale was Dan Reid. James Badge Dale's charm had more appeal to me than Armie Hammer.

William Fichtner was an amazing bad guy. His stunts in this movie were "off the charts".

Armie Hammer is very cute, and he is funny. The collaboration with Depp in this duo works for me. Even though there were times I felt he was a little flat in his delivery.

Butch Cavendish is the bad guy. Very bad, he is a cannibalistic, ruthless, and crazed outlaw who escapes from the Texas Rangers and then sets out to become rich with his brother Tom Wilkinson, as Latham the railroad tycoon. They have a plan to take the silver previously owned by Native Americans.

Helena Bonham Carter owns the saloon and helps our heroes.

Ruth Wilson as Dan Reid's wife, Rebecca and is the love interest for John. We never find out why she married the older brother. I think Ruth is just a charming woman with strong convictions.  I first saw her as the crazed villain in Luther, a BBC series, adults only. I would recommend this as you are able to see a different side of her abilities.

My biggest disappointment was that the William Tell Overture didn't play until the near ending of the movie with the famous last line, high-ho Silver.

On the whole this was a great movie. I recommend 13 and up.