REVIEW: THE LONE RANGER

I usually post my movie reviews on the weekend date before the release. This review was delayed due to commitment to a screening which happens after the date. My apologies to those who were expecting it. Thank you KLIPS Malaysia for giving me the opportunity to attend the screening.On with the review...

Jerry Bruckheimer. A veteran name often associated with producing big budget blockbuster films. This summer he brings The Lone Ranger, an adaptation of a heroic cowboy character and his Native American sidekick, which first appeared on U.S. radio in the 1930s and made into a television series in the 1950s.

The Lone Ranger reunites Bruckheimer with his Pirates of the Caribbean film series director Gore Verbinski and the lead of the film series, Johnny Depp. The Lone Ranger also stars Armie Hammer in the title role, William Fichtner, Tom Wilkinson, Ruth Wilson, Barry Pepper and Helena Bonham Carter.

SYNOPSIS:
Lawyer John Reid (Armie Hammer) returns to his hometown to be of service to his community. Upon arrival, he discovers a mysterious dispute involving a Native American tribe. After an unfortunate battle with a notorious outlaw, he is injured and rescued by a Native American named Tonto (Johnny Depp). Together they hunt for the villains who caused chaos to the land.

John Reid (Armie Hammer) and Tonto (Johnny Depp) looking out for baddies.

SCRIPT:
The Lone Ranger reunites producer Bruckheimer with his Pirates of the Carribbean writers, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. Newcomer Justin Haythe joins the team. Now, the Pirates of the Caribbean series was great, but this one didn't live up to par and at level 'okay'. The plot is easy to understand and not too complicated. There were great one-liners in the film that is sure to make you laugh. I liked the idea of the movie told in flashbacks.

Leading lady Ruth Wilson in a scene from the film.

Tonto and the sacred horse. I like this horse.

ACTING:
Johnny Depp is one of my favourite actors. He did very great in the film. Although I can't say much about the supporting cast. The lead role in the storyline is played by Armie Hammer but more focus is given to Depp because he is the bigger star. Both had great tremendous chemistry but I felt Hammer could do more. The rest of the cast were just okay. I would like to have seen more of Helena Bonham Carter though.

Helena Bonham Carter in a scene from the film.

FILMING:
The film is well shot with great cinematography and visual effects. Director Gore Verbinski managed to showcase the epic landscape of the American wild west beautifully with great shots. Minimal visual effects but effective. However, I felt there were too much action scenes and was a little over-kill.

A scene in the film which was pretty well shot.

PACING:
Here is where the film lacks. It is draggy. It try to tells too much of the film which resulted in its slow pace. Some scenes felt too long and I kept wanting the scene to move on quickly to the next. The only thing that saved it was the comedic one-liners which broke the tension.

Armie Hammer is the lead role as John Reid a.k.a. The Lone Ranger

TONE (MOOD):
A action adventure buddy type film with insertions of comedy to make it interesting.

Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer sharing a scene.

DOWNSIDE:
The pacing is too draggy and slow. I guess this why critics worldwide gave negative reviews. Only the finale was great.

UPSIDE:
The chemistry between Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer.

OVERALL:
A summer popcorn movie which can be delighting depending on your mood. The film does have its moments but watch out for the downsides.

RATING:
6 out of 10

Note:
Native American is politically correct term to refer to Red Indians in America.