Saturday, July 6, 2013

Hi Ho Silver, Away!

by Pa Rock
Film Fan

Watching the new Johnny Depp film, The Lone Ranger, yesterday with my son and grandson was a pure pleasure.  The action adventure / comedy is exciting, entertaining, well written, superbly acted, and suitable for the entire family.  It's a hoot from beginning to end!

I describe it as a "Johnny Depp film" because any movie that features Mr. Depp to any degree at all generally gets overpowered by the actor's unique and off-beat personality, impish charm, and gigantic talent.   Fortunately, this movie has at least a couple of other actors who are up to the task of challenging Johnny Depp's ownership of the screen.

Depp plays Tonto, the Lone Ranger's Indian "sidekick."  Depp's Tonto, however, is a major focus of the film and is portrayed as a leading character.  An older Tonto narrates the film, and it is told from his perspective.  Jay Silverheels would have been proud!

Armie Hammer, an American socialite who is relatively new to the movie business, gives an amazing performance at attorney John Reid, a.k.a. The Lone Ranger.  Hammer is a master of his craft.  He exhibits flawless acting skills in this movie, and his facial expressions often speak more clearly than his verbal dialogue.

The other standout is veteran actress Helena Bonham Carter who plays "Red," a prostitute with a lethal wooden leg.  Ms. Carter is as well known for taking on quirky roles as is Mr. Depp.  Indeed, Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp have probably seen more of each other on movie sets than many couples do during their entire marriages.  Four of their previous joint efforts are Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Toddy, Alice in Wonderland, and Dark Shadows.  It almost defies belief that Helena Bonham Carter did not turn up in some Caribbean bawdy house frequented by Captain Jack Sparrow!

The Lone Ranger is a great movie - one that I am likely to see again!

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