The Lone Ranger Review: Funnier Than You’d Think

Despite watching Johnny Depp in so many different types of roles throughout his illustrious career, there are many who feel his characters he plays on the big screen have become a bit repetitive. Although movie goers may be right to some extent, that does not take anything away from Depp.

Simply put, Depp is the straw the stirs the film’s drink.

Although his portrayal of Tonto in “The Lone Ranger” resembles a Native American version of Captain Jack Sparrow, he and Lawyer turned Lawman John Reid are two fun loving characters that audiences can get a kick out of. While “The Lone Ranger” did take a massive flop in the box office last year, it certainly wasn’t as big of a disappointment as people have made it out to be. The combination of Johnny Depp, (“Edward Scissor Hands”) and Armie Hammer, (“The Social Network”) did bring plenty of laughter as they played off of each other very well.

Native American warrior Tonto recounts the untold stories about himself and Reid, who seeks revenge justice of the savage murder of his brother. Now Tonto and Reid-also known as “The Lone Ranger,” go after Butch Cavendish and his crony bandits. What makes this film enjoyable is that it is goofy and does make fun of itself. Although you might see that as a negative aspect about the film, you can’t help but laugh because of the way Depp portrays Tonto. His puns and antics alone get make him incredibly clumsy and one who you laugh at with good reason. Let’s not forget the White Horse in this movie who might as well be a dog due to its mannerisms and silly smarts it displays.

The action scenes throughout this film are well done. Director Gore Verbinski, (“Rango”) who seems to be Depp’s Scorsese, does a great job of cinematography as the rail road scenes make you feel a part of that time period. There are several instances that remind you that the scenes have a “Red Dead Redemption” type of an atmosphere due to the wild horse rides and gun blazing bandits that take wreak Havoc in the desert.

Although Hammer did a fine job as the Lone Ranger, it was Depp as Tonto who stole the show. You can’t help but crack a smile everything time the camera hits his dead panned face, and to top it off his Native American puns he shares with Reid that are simply silly in a good way. You can’t help but crack a smile.

“The Lone Ranger” is an exciting adventure for what it is. While it does poke fun at itself especially in the final scene that has the famous High Ho Silver away line, you cant’ help but to laugh with the film instead of laughing at it. Depp as Tonto has the potential to be one of his most memorable roles, not quite like “Captain Jack Sparrow” or “Edward Scissor Hands”, but just a notch below. That does not necessarily mean it’s a bad thing.

Hammer and Depp were a nice one two combo for this film, which can be a ball of fun for anyone. They say laughter is the perfect medicine. “The Lone Ranger” can certainly supply the proper dosage.