Note: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not reflect the views of Her Campus Chatham.
1. It’s Laugh-Out-Loud Hilarious
Many critics complained that The Lone Ranger was a dry two-and-a-half hour Western. For everyone who attended the film on premiere day, it was a riotous adventure with hilarious one-liners and humorous slapstick almost every minute. In fact, despite poor critical review, it has a fresh audience rating of 63% from Rotten Tomatoes. They weren’t wrong. When I went to one of the evening showings on July 3rd, the entire room guffawed and some even clapped for the film’s eccentric hero, Tonto (Johnny Depp), who is complemented by his slightly klutzy, justice-loving sidekick, John Reid (Armie Hammer).
2. There’s A Fresh Twist
No – not on the story of the Lone Ranger or even its title character (although this is indeed a new take on the masked man!) Despite initial controversy, I think Johnny Depp followed through on his promise to positively portray the Comanche warrior. While it may have missed the notice of some audience members and critics, Tonto telling the story from an exhibit at a 1930s circus is a sharp dig at history’s treatment of the Native American people. Of course, there is more about Tonto’s own story besides taking back his voice that gives dignity to the film’s Native American characters – but it is a big spoiler you will just have to see for yourself! In addition, it also addresses the mistreatment of Asian railroad workers, whose role in the West is often overlooked by Hollywood. (Although one LGBT character does appear in this film, he appears in a far less positive and – as is usual in the long tradition of Hollywood – ultimately insultingly comic manner.)
3. The Special Effects Will Blow You Away
These days, it’s hard to be impressed anymore with action films. After Avatar and The Avengers, it feels like we’ve seen it all. However, The Lone Ranger knows what makes a true action movie great, and it’s not all about the details. Its landscape isn’t as gorgeous as Brokeback Mountain and True Grit, but the camera angles capture the sharp turns, dark tunnels, exploding trains, and barn fires in a way that makes us feel as if we are back in the 1980s when Indiana Jones was new and adventure was simply lean-back-in-your-seat and hold-your-breath fun.
4. It Has Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter
No matter what film they appear in, these two make the perfect duo. While Helena’s character – Red Harrington – only makes two short appearances in the film, they are two of the highlights of the trip to the movie. Female characters have never been more kick-butt, and her tough personality is truly a hilarious contrast to Johnny Depp’s lunatic ways. Also, if you enjoyed Johnny Depp’s Futterwacken in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, you’ll no doubt love Tonto’s crumbs. (Don’t worry; it’ll all make sense.)
5. Roger Ebert Has Given It A Thumbs Up
While most critics ripped the film to shreds, Steven Rea of The Philadelphia Enquirer and Matt Zoller Seitz – who now writes the majority of reviews for RogerEbert.com, the late, great critic’s official site – both gave the film positive reviews. Although Seitz, in Ebert’s tradition, points out what he sees as the many flaws of the film, he gives credit where credit is due and ultimately awards it with three and a half of four stars. And Rea? Well, let’s just say that if anyone loves the film more than me, it is he.
Summary:
The characters are endearing; the jokes are memorable; the costumes are crisply designed; and the action is just as fun as the slightly similar Legend of Zorro by Antonio Banderas. A true popcorn film that simultaneously manages to take you away from the everyday and into the world of imagination while presenting a shockingly sharp and witty look at the moral struggles of reality. In other words, it’s a perfect summer film that may even become one of the decade’s overlooked camp classics.
Stars (Out of Five): Four – This movie wasn’t trying to be the next Django Unchained or even the next Pirates! Instead, it was an enjoyable homage to the original television show with fabulous special effects and suspenseful moments that poignantly revisits and critiques the scars of our past. It is both a fun Western adventure and great satire that achieved all its goals.
Rating: PG-13 – Some adult jokes that’ll mostly be missed by kids, but any violence is largely exaggerated and rather tame; feel free to bring the whole family!
To see The Lone Ranger, you can visit the following Pittsburgh theaters (you may want to try checking Fandango to ensure it’s still being shown before you go):
AMC Loews Waterfront 22
Waterworks Cinemas
Carmike Southland 9
Carmike 10 – Pittsburgh
Carmike Wynnsong 12 – Delmont
Carmike 15 – Greensburg
Chartiers Valley Stadium
Cinemark 18 – Pittsburgh Mills Mall
Cinemark Robinson Township and XD
Cranberry Cinemas
North Versailles Stadium 18
Rave Cinemas Pittsburgh North 11
South Pike Cinemas
Cranberry Cinemas
Image Credit: The Lone Ranger Facebook page