The Lone Ranger Blu-ray + DVD Review

Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer star in The Lone Ranger, from Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Director Gore Verbinski. It’s a wild ride of high velocity action, explosions and gunfights that brings the famed masked legend to life through brand-new eyes. The Lone Ranger (Hammer), the last of his kind, teams with Tonto (Depp), a dark and mysterious vigilante, to seek vengeance after justice has failed them. It’s a runaway train of epic surprises, as these two unlikely heroes must learn to work together before the ultimate showdown between good and evil explodes.

Growing up I watched the Lone Ranger with my Dad on TV.  I absolutely loved the series and looked forward to its time slot.  When it came out on DVD I went out and got myself a copy.  I’m a big fan of old Westerns and The Lone Ranger is probably one of the most iconic western figures that I can think of. 

When I found out that Disney was bringing The Lone Ranger to the big screen I was excited, and then apprehensive when I found out Johnny Depp would be playing Tonto.  Now, I am a big Johnny Depp fan, don’t get me wrong, but I was disappointed that they had not cast an actual Native American for the role.  I suppose the reason was that they wanted block-buster quality actors – although it could be that they didn’t think an actual Native would take the role.   Tonto’s character is present in the movie for comic relief, and he does do a good job at creating a caricature. 

Armie Hammer on the other hand was the perfect Lone Ranger.   He was just full of the charm and charisma that makes the Lone Ranger what he is.  I was really impressed by just how well he fit the role.

The movie open with an older Tonto, living in early-1900s San Francisco, and it turns out he is telling the story that unfolds.  Why this was done and the point of it was never established, and I thought it a little bit weird.  That said, it suited the tone of the movie which switched from the comedic right into action filled scenes and even into artsy serious moments.  I was left a little confused over what the movie was trying to be, however there is one thing I am sure of, and that is that this movie is entertaining.

The Lone Ranger was not perfectly done, but I think it was done in a manner that made this iconic figure exciting and relevant to today’s audience.

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product in order to facilitate this review.  All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.