Review of The Lone Ranger (1956) by James W — 21 Mar 2014

Critics don't know shit, this is the most unfairly reviewed movie of 2013, I get the feeling critics jumped on the bandwagon of "it went through production hell so it must be bad". Yes it did go through hell from budget issues and shooting problems, but the end product is a long train ride of big laughs and whopping action! The enormous budget shows, the sets are beautiful from long train roads, lavishly designed carriages and huge western towns, the whole 1930's vibe and look is near perfect.

Armie Hammer is really good, he does the slapstick jokes justice and emphasises his heroic nature of John Reid, plus Johnny Depp is unrecognisable on fine quirky form as Tonto. Tom Wilkinson and William Fichtner are two very dark bad guys, it's refreshing to see baddies that show no mercy.

Ruth Wilson is strong British talent, she nails her accent and I'm glad she was featured in the action scenes, plus Helena Bonham Carter is a blast, literally, with her gun toting plastic leg. Whilst Lone Ranger has some slow patches and the run time is unnecessarily longer than needed, throughout this adventure are wild bloody shootouts, scenes of peril for the crazy duo and undoubtedly one of the best action sequences of the year which sees all the main cast fight onboard a runaway train alongside a treacherously steep canyon.

The scale is insanely impressive with flawless visuals and a rocketing pace, the momentum is dizzyingly entertaining and I loved the famous music played over the top, it will leave a big smile on your face.

Gore Verbinski's latest movie shouts scale and it shows, this is a blast, ideal for a movie night and a guaranteed good time.