The Lone Ranger (2003)

Touches You

Good concept, poorly executed.

A Disappointing Continuation

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

This is a very light, made for TV movie. Much better than the campy original TV show. But fans of the original TV show will obviously not enjoy this particular. movie.If you were born in the 1980s or above, you'll enjoy this up to date take on the Lone Ranger.Personally I quite liked the relationship shown between Lone Ranger and Tonto (it seemed much more even than the original show) in this movie. It could have been easily called "Tonto and the Lone Ranger".Of course it doesn't hurt that both the Lone Ranger and Tonto are extremely hot guys, so they're not exactly hard on the eyes. It's unfortunate that this show didn't get turned into a TV series, but if you want a light hearted movie that's going to be a-okay for the whole family, you can't go wrong with this movie.

This movie was outstanding in my opinion, I may be the only one who thinks that but who cares because I'm sticking to that notion! The actors were outstanding and the scenes were completely breathtaking. Everyone I know hated this film but I feel they are wrong! The directing was great and the movie was really emotional! The first time I see the movie out to buy I'm going to get it. Me and my mom shed some tears and only a really good movie is able to make me cry. Great actor choice, personally I think you made good costume choices too, none were to overboard. Chad gave a wonderful performance too! You go Chad! I was completely heartbroken when the makers decided to cut it as a show, I would have been an avid watcher! I am a true fan!

I had wondered a long time why a new version of The Lone Ranger hadn't been done and it wasn't a huge surprise to learn that the WB was going to teenagerize the legend. The series was never picked up but left us with an updated version of the classic western films. Chad Michael Murray just minutes before his fame plays The Lone Ranger and his alter ego. Everyone seems to be genuinely upset about this rendition but I don't quite see the problems although they're are a few, no doubt about it.This interpretation revolves around the arrival of future Harvard Lawyer Luke Hartman who has made his way out to Dallas, Texas to visit his brother and his wife and young son before making his way to school to fulfill his father's dreams. When Luke arrives a week early, his brother is on his way out on a manhunt. It turns out his brother is a member of a volunteer law enforcement group, a ranger. They are after a group of men called The Regulators who has been burning homes and causing problems in order to make way for the railroad coming through Texas. Luke disobeys his brother's warnings and follows the rangers out to find these men. During the night the Regulators led by Kansas City Haas, a man thought to be on the side of The Rangers, attacks the rangers and shoots them all where they sleep including Luke. However Luke doesn't die and is saved by a young Apache Indian whom Luke had saved his sister earlier that day. The Apache Indian known as Tonto takes Luke back to the camp and nurses him back to health with the help of the tribe. Luke begs for Tonto's help to train him in warrior ways in order to get revenge on Kansas City Haas and The Regulators. Tonto refuses knowing that it is against Tribal Law to train a white man. However after speaking to a close friend within the Tribe Tonto realizes he must help Luke. Together they train. Tonto teaches him everything he knows about being a warrior, hand to hand combat, discipline, mind control, everything. They lean on each other and become the best of friends. Tonto encourages Luke to don a mask in order to represent his warrior side and Luke becomes a masked man bent on revenge. Tonto and Luke track down The Regulators and when it comes down to Luke having the opportunity to avenge his brother's death, Silver, his horse stops him. Luke learns more while they work to find The Regulators a second time. When they meet again Luke learns that anger does not justify murder and he upholds and the law and captures the killer also deciding to stay and defend Texas as The Lone Ranger.Some things must be considered when going into this film. First and foremost this is less of a retelling than creating the legend over again for youngsters who probably never heard of Clayton Moore. So the film is made specifically with them in mind and no one else. Set old time western action to modern day dance music, forget any remnants of historical accuracy whatsoever, and basically just touch on the old Lone Ranger. All the elements are here...Tonto, Silver, the Mask, the guns, hi ho silver, and jumping onto his back, but do away with the white hat, black mask (it's brown.) They really go back to the roots of where this character is coming from and you also have to remember that this was meant to be a pilot to a series so they are basically only setting things up for future plot developments, including the romance. Some things are left so open for that reason. The cast is actually quite excellent. The unknown (at the time) Chad Michael Murray fits in perfectly, not so much with the western scenery, but just with the character, he's definitely a teenage draw. Nathaniel Arcand plays Tonto and he is great. He DOES fit in with the western scene and is excellent as the teacher and semi-sidekick but more of a partner. One thing I was impressed with was the film is rich with Native American heritage. How true it is, might be a different story but still it has that element of culture that is so often not covered in films. Director Jack Bender who has done some great Television does his best but I think the writing lacked something. I think it would have gotten better as a series. Overall it was an enjoyable teen flick rendition of the classic character and I don't know why people give it such a hard rap. Check it out if you ever get to see it, it's a rare gem. 7/10

As a western fan, I was keen to watch this remake of what is considered now a classic tale. I anticipated John Reed, dressed in Ranger clothes, being ambushed with the other rangers, left for dead, discovered by Tonto, discovering the injured Silver...etc. What I was presented with was quite possibly the worst film to ever grace a screen! The lead stars are miscast and the recognized storyline has been blown away completely! For starters, the modern, rock-soundtrack is pathetic throughout. Terrible! And where is John Reed? Why change the name? That's like saying the Frankenstein monster was created by Charlie McGuffin, that Dr. Jekyll turned into Mr. Bloggs, that Zorro's secret identity was Bernard Pickles! What utter rubbish! Then comes the martial arts! Tonto is a Jackie Chan figure, and later, the pathetic Lone Ranger himself miraculously flies through the air to the supposed rescue! Jack Bender has proved himself to be a creditable director in the past. Why on earth he should take on board this juvenile, amateurish excuse for a film, God knows! The producers and everyone associated with the film should be exiled! Bring back Clayton and Jay, PLEASE!!!!!!