[mrtape]

The Lone Ranger / Rated PG-13 for violence perpetrated by computer effects. Filmed at a racetrack. Read on.
It’s obvious that with the inclusion of Johnny Depp, Walt Disney Pictures and Producer Jerry Bruckheimer were hoping for a Pirates of the Caribbean hit that would produce titanic size profits and generate endless remakes. What they got was more like the Disney/Bruckheimer film Prince of Persia (2010). Their worst nightmare would be a film that was close to the John Carter (2012) bomb. While TLR opened about 25% better than POP and 33% better than JC it’s comparison to the 1st POTC film is very disappointing. There will be no Lone Ranger 2. At this point 5 days into the release they probably wish there was no Lone Ranger 1.
The Lone Ranger goes way back. With appearances in novels and comic books, the LR first appeared outside print with a radio show in 1933. Serials were released in 1938 and 1939 with Lee Powell then Robert Livingston as the masked man. Lee Powell joined the military and fought as a Marine in key Pacific Island battles. His end came on Tinian, not from wounds but from acute alcohol poisoning as a result of drinking Sake that caused his death and almost killed a friend who survived but was blind for 21 days. The brand is unknown.
The best known LR portrayer was Clayton Moore who starred on TV from 1949 to 1957. CM also played the part in a couple of films that were spun off from the TV series. In 1981 one of the worst films in history was released. The Legend of the Lone Ranger starring Klinton Spilsbury (whose voice was dubbed by actor James Keach). KS wasn’t a very good actor nor Lone Ranger. This was his only acting role of any kind, ever.
The LR returned in 2003 when Warner Bros. released a 2 hour made for TV movie which was supposed to be a pilot for a new series. It didn’t work out. Now he is back in an extravaganza valued at $250 million . Unfortunately, the extravaganza is in the first 20 minutes and the last 20 minutes. The 100 minute period in between the big train chases is mostly a waste of time. There are attempts at humor, some of which work out while others fall flat. They try to create a super hero and side kick relationship but the two generally don’t get along or cooperate with each other.
On the positive side much of the film was shot in Monument Valley. The scenery easily outshines both the action and the script. In total, 6 Western states were used for locations and they look terrific. The blue screen stunt shots were done at the Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, CA. Why there is anybody’s guess.
Overall they have spent 250 million bucks, much of which will be lost, and produced a very average movie experience which is way to long. The end credits appear to be setting up a surprise towards a sequel. Do not be fooled, the sequence goes no where other than to the middle of that same destination (no where).
Watch for Pirates of the Caribbean 5 coming soon but no Lone Ranger 2. Unless Klinton Spilsbury makes a comeback.
Rated 2.5 out of 4.0 HiNo Sequels, Away.

[YopeGyver]

I've been an avid LR fan for years. Starting with the radio show then later the TV series which starred the best known Ranger, Clayton Moore. (I've yet to find and watch the episodes that starred John Hart.) Jay Silverheels was the number one Tonto in my book - which may add to why I despised Johnny Depp's portrayal of the Native American sidekick. Jay was irreplaceable. And, come on! What self-respecting Indian would dress like a witch doctor as his everyday wear? Even the shamans and other notable tribesmen wore such extravagantly horrid attire.
The 1981 movie, I agree, was also a flop. I had to force myself to finish watching it.

Thumbs down. Though it was expected by fellow Ranger fans to be disappointing.

[mrtape]

Jay was born Harold J. Smith. He was Canadian Indian. He died from complications of a stroke in 1967. His Cremains were returned to the place of his birth. His Tonto was the best.

[MacFan092985]

I saw TLR yesterday and while I liked it enough, it did drag on in the middle. During the final action sequence, when the Lone Ranger theme is played I and my friend were tapping our foot along with the music . . . very cool.

Helena Bonham Carter's role of Red Harrington was equal to that of Anthony Daniel's character of C-3PO in the STAR WARS movies . . . completely unnecessary and a waste of time.

The fact that John Reid was a district attorney, who abhorred guns prior to becoming the Lone Ranger smacks of current liberal, anti-gun laws that are spreading across this country and detracted from wild west theme that the Lone Ranger has always been about.