I needed a day to think about this latest rendition of the famous masked man. I didn’t just want to like this film, I wanted to love it. It’s because of my dad that I love the Lone Ranger. Unfortunately, by the time the famous William Tell Overturearrived to save this long uneven film, my disappointment was sadly set in stone.
When I think of The Lone Ranger, obviously you think of Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels as Tonto. It may be unfair to compare but it’s only natural. If this was simply a western with a Cowboy and Indian team, despite its flaws you mat enjoy more. But, when you call it The Lone Ranger, there are expectations. This is no different for Superman fans with Man Of Steel or Batman with any of the Dark Knight films. The Lone Ranger for so many was a simple of strength and nobility. He believed in justice and wasn’t filled with self doubt. In a nutshell, this is what you get with Armie Hammer’s portrayal of the masked man. Is it his fault? Nope. I place the blame solely on director Gore Verbinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Neither seem to care enough about the character to tell a good action filled origin story. They even changed the meaning of the word Kemosabe in exchange for a laugh. In keeping up with a theme within the film, that’s a bad exchange.
When I think of The Lone Ranger, obviously you think of Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels as Tonto. It may be unfair to compare but it’s only natural. If this was simply a western with a Cowboy and Indian team, despite its flaws you mat enjoy more. But, when you call it The Lone Ranger, there are expectations. This is no different for Superman fans with Man Of Steel or Batman with any of the Dark Knight films. The Lone Ranger for so many was a simple of strength and nobility. He believed in justice and wasn’t filled with self doubt. In a nutshell, this is what you get with Armie Hammer’s portrayal of the masked man. Is it his fault? Nope. I place the blame solely on director Gore Verbinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Neither seem to care enough about the character to tell a good action filled origin story. They even changed the meaning of the word Kemosabe in exchange for a laugh. In keeping up with a theme within the film, that’s a bad exchange.
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| Depp as Tonto and Hammer as The Lone Ranger |
Part of the reason why I thought this film was uneven, was that there were times I wasn’t sure if I was watching an action film or a comedy. Humor shouldn’t be forced, it should flow naturally and not take away from the film itself. While I did like Johnny Depp as Tonto (even the new take on his look) it felt like it was more his film and the Lone Ranger was along for the ride. As for Hammer, he had look just not the material.
It’s been over 30 years in between Ranger films, the last being 1981’s The Legend of the Lone Ranger which turns out in many ways to be a better film. Not sure what that says about either version. Anyway, long live those thrilling days of yesteryear with Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels and let’s hope we don’t have to wait another 30 years for movie studios to get it right.
Hi-Yo Silver… Away!
THE LONE RANGER **1/2 (out of 4)
THE LONE RANGER **1/2 (out of 4)
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
