The Lone Ranger (1956)
The first feature film starring Clayton Moore as the Lone Ranger feels like an extended TV episode. It doesn’t hold up well. It’s nearly 60 years old and feels older. Unless you’re interested in wasting time, don’t bother.
The Lone Ranger (2013)
One reason I think this film failed to find an audience is was Johnny Depp fatigue. At this point, it seems all he can do is play another iteration of Jack Sparrow and audiences have grown tired of it.
Alice in Wonderland (2010): Fantasy-land Jack Sparrow.
The Tourist (2010): Super-spy Jack Sparrow.
Dark Shadows (2012): Vampire Jack Sparrow.
The Lone Ranger (2013): Native American Jack Sparrow
Depp is a capable actor, but once he found a massively popular character he loved he’s been riding the gravy train ever since. This movie would have been better served with someone else as Tonto.
Another contributing factor to the film’s underwhelming box office is the general lack of interest in Westerns. This, Jonah Hex (2010), and Cowboys & Aliens (2011) demonstrate how difficult it is to make a Western which catches the imagination of contemporary audiences.
The story is muddled and would have benefited from a little simplification. There are too many villains and it’s hard to keep track of them, but this is a fun movie with an excellent cast.
Tom Wilkinson is clearly enjoying himself as the evil railroad tycoon, Latham Cole. Helena Bonham Carter’s Red Harrington is her patented unhinged, probable mental institution escapee. James Badge Dale and Barry Pepper look like they were born to play Western villains. Ruth Wilson, best known for playing John Luther’s murderous love interest on the BBC’s Luther, is compelling as Rebecca Reid, the female lead.
However, Armie Hammer is the breakout star of the film. He’s a vintage movie star and perfect for a role like this. Eschewing nuance, he plays the pure hearted Lone Ranger without a trace of irony or cool self-awareness. Hammer will one day make an excellent addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Despite its less than stellar reputation, this was a fun way to spend two and a half hours. Quentin Tarantino was impressed with the climatic train scene and I echo his enthusiasm. It’s an imaginative set piece which almost makes the film watching by itself.