The Lone Ranger, a Review…

About two weeks ago, on June 20th, Emily and I had a treat.  She and I were invited to see an advance screening of the Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films production of “The Lone Ranger“, starring the oh so handsome Johnny Depp as Tonto, the Native American warrior and Armie Hammer in the title role of John Reid, aka The Lone Ranger.  To say we were excited is an understatement.   The reason for our joy was two fold; the first was because this was the very first screening we have ever been to AND second, we were getting to see the movie for free!  It was also pretty great to have a date night with my daughter. ♥♥  I have to be honest and say that this movie was not really on my radar as a must see, despite it’s main attraction, Mr. Depp.  I know, I know, blasphemy right?

We attended the screening at the Cineplex Queensway Theatre in Toronto at 7pm.  We arrived a bit early and headed for the check in desk.  I was totally thrilled when our hostess Jessica, informed me that as PRESS I had reserved seats for the show!  It was like Christmas morning for this blogger.   I was giggling like a school girl, LOL.    Emily and I then loaded up on popcorn and lined up with the audience.  This screening was the reel deal ( pardon the pun ) with security at several points.  We even had to hand in our phones, lest we attempt to record the movie.  No biggie, it was part of the fun.

Once in the theater we took our reserved seats ( I wanted to take a picture of the sign, but was too chicken ) and settled in.  Once the movie started I was hooked!  I like a good action movie once in awhile and “The Lone Ranger” did not disappoint.  It was a long movie at almost two and a half hours, but the time flew by like the runaway train scenes.  I think the best part was the humour.  There were many sight gags that had both Emily and I chuckling together and to this day she keeps bringing our favorites into the conversation.  It was just plain fun to see this movie!

Having said that there is quite a bit of violence that, as a mama, I was a bit shocked by.  Before telling Emily I was taking her to this movie I checked and rechecked the rating (PG) and decided it would be okay for her.  I still think it was fine for a ten year old to see it, but I would not take a child any younger.  There is one scene that involves a posse, lead by the sheriff, being ambushed by the bad guy Butch Cavendish (William Fichtner) that ends in a rather unpleasant ah, taste test.  And that is putting it mildly.  I am just happy I was done with my popcorn at that point.

The story line kind of runs off in different directions throughout the whole show, but I did not find it confusing.  The director managed to meld the various stories together eventually with those much hyped action sequences.  Another treat was Silver, The Lone Ranger’s faithful horse.  This was great casting.  Think Maximus from “Tangled” and you will have a pretty good idea of what Silver is like.  I loved this horse ♥

The one element of this movie I could have done without is the narration.  The movie starts off with a child meeting a now very old Tonto in a side show of some sort of carnival.  He basically becomes a story teller to this child.  I suppose it was necessary to set the stage, but they could have shaved off about fifteen minutes by reducing that part right down. Just my opinion.

Would I see “The Lone Ranger” again? Yes, I would and I think most people will enjoy it.  Just be mindful of what your kids can handle and you will be fine. 

Will you be seeing “The Lone Ranger” in theaters as of today, July 3rd, 2013?

FT&PD

Suz

**Disclaimer: The views stated here are mine and mine alone.  I love all things Disney, but alas, I do not represent them.  I received entrance to this movie for free, but was not required to share my opinion on it.  I am doing that because I want to.