The Lone Ranger

After having seen the critically panned Warcraft, I had the chance to see what Disney's critically negative The Lone Ranger was all about. Also known as their failed attempt to kick-start a new franchise and coincidently directed by Gore Verbinski who helmed the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films, this one in based on the old radio and TV shows that began in the 1930s.

From what I understood going in, the film pits Johnny Depp's controversial turn as a native American and Armie Hammer's masked lawmen on a journey to hunt down a ruthless outlaw but I had also been warned not to expect much. But it's nice to say how wrong they were and how entertaining this actually was to sit down and enjoy!

The Lone Ranger is by no means a perfect film but it understands what it is, for the most part. Unlike some films of late that I've seen and aim to write about, this one is well written, acted and directed across the board. What's more, the film should also be praised for choreographing some truly enjoyably complex action sequences whilst ensuring that it's easy to follow with a spectacular climax. It is a shame though that this attempt at a franchise was not meant to be following a disappointing box office performance not aided by choosing the now out-fashioned western genre.

At the time of release, there were articles as well discussing the darker aspects of the film which points to a somewhat confused tone that shifted uncomfortably at times. On one hand it's great to see a mainstream film not shy away from the darker aspects of America's history with the railroad and how it affected the native population but it does tread a line towards the end that felt like something out of a Quentin Tarantino film.

Despite these moments that made me question whether this was ever a children's film, I still found there to be a lot to enjoy and is a great example of Verbinski's ability to shoot action. It's not quite Mad Max: Fury Road but I'd still say this is one to recommend for anyone interested.