This is not the Lone Ranger of TV and film history. I personally believe Clayton Moore would be disappointed. First of all, this movie’s genre is difficult to figure out. It is listed as an action picture, a western and an adventure film. It includes humor and at times seems to be spoofing the original series. So a lot of it is comedy. Even so, this is a dark movie in both content and tone.

In this revisionist film, Tonto and the masked man known as the Lone Ranger have a strong argument in one scene and punch each other. Whatever happened to their loyal friendship according to the legend? Johnny Depp is certainly funny in scenes and makes an interesting Tonto but the comedy is flat in other scenes. This picture lacks focus, direction, and a good script. One attempt at humor comes near the end when the Lone Ranger yells his famous, “Hi Ho Silver, away!” Tonto looks at him and deadpans, “Don’t ever do that again.” I really didn’t find it amusing. In another scene a woman is hit in the face by a rock and it is played for laughs. It was so funny I almost forgot to laugh. Oh wait, I did forget to laugh.

I don’t like to be so negative and very seldom am but this film was a disappointment to me. One scene shows a dead man’s body being dragged and the back of his head is dragged on the ground and a horse leaves droppings on the ground after doing its thing and the man’s head is dragged across it. It is gross but not funny. In one scene a few rabbits fight over some cooked meat. I kid you not. This movie is a letdown and not just for its lack of focus. There is strong violence throughout including some bloody scenes. A lot of people are shot. In addition, the language is quite strong and is uttered often. This one is not family friendly and sadly, not very entertaining either.