By Anton Massopust III—

“There are times (good friend) when good men must wear a mask.”

The legendary masked man rides again with his trusty friend Tonto in this new version of the old classic, THE LONE RANGER. Armie Hammer plays the legendary masked hero. If you don’t know the classic radio story or the old television shows starring Clayton Moore, in this new version, The Lone Ranger is a young lawyer headed west to reunite with his brother.

After a daring train escape, Butch Cavendich, goes on the run when John (The Lone Ranger) is deputized by his brother to go after Butch and bring him to justice. They are ambushed in a canyon by one of their own posse and left for dead. An Indian warrior named Tonto, played by Johnny Depp, helps the Lone Ranger when he finds him alive, and makes him a black mask to help hide his identity so he can stay alive. Together they form a partnership to bring Cavendich in, but our young hero is finding that it is not that easy to maintain this partnership and work together. John has to learn how to become a hero and Tonto must learn the difference between justice and revenge.

I am going to go out on a limb here and speak my mind. I really loved this movie; it was great! It had everything an old fashioned Wild West movie has: trains, ruthless outlaws, lawless towns with saloons and jails, beautiful scenery, and a really good understanding of American Indians. It portrays Native Americans in a very positive light. I especially loved the scene where the Lone Ranger pleads with the Indian Chief for not going to war against the American Cavalry, and the Chief says, “It does not matter now; we are all ghosts.”

Hammer is learning to become a hero in this story; his performance is good but a bit goofy. However, I think in a sequel, we will see him play his character much better. The great Johnny Depp – what can we say about him? He takes a legendary character and breathes new life into Tonto. We come to understand where he is from and learn about Native American mysticism and ideals. I love Tonto’s costume; it is terrific. Don’t take the little tykes to see this as there is a bit too much blood and violence, but older kids could handle this. Little ones would enjoy the old television show a lot more in my estimation.

I give this movie an “A”, although there are a number of flaws here and there. Go and see it!