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Movie Review: The Lone Ranger

Why mess with a winning formula?

Take Pirates of the Caribbean.

--Change the scenery from an ocean, to a desert.

--Take out ships, and replace them with trains.

--Replace the pirates with cowboys and Indians.

What you get is a recipe for success that not only Disney, but Jerry Bruckheimer, and Director Gore Verbinski know all too well.

Okay, not everything is the same as Pirates of the Caribbean, but The Lone Ranger does have some similarities you just can't help but notice.

This comedy adventure has a lot of action, and if you're a fan of Johnny Depp you're going to love this movie.

The Lone Ranger - Trailer 4 by Walt Disney Studios on YouTube

Depp stars as Tonto, the iconic sidekick to John Reid (Armie Hammer).

Reid is the Lone Ranger, a Texas law man, who dons a mask, with a mission of bringing down those who have harmed him and his family.

Tonto is a wandering Comanche Indian, cast out from his tribe, who helps transform the Lone Ranger and joins him on his journey for justice.

I was somewhat surprised at what good chemistry both Depp and Hammer had. They made a great duo, and some of their dialogue left me laughing.

Throw in a great supporting cast of Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Wilkinson, and a very bad William Fichtner and you have all the makings of a summer blockbuster.

Oh, and don't forget Silver the horse. Fair warning for parents: every young boy is going to want a horse of his own like silver after seeing this film.

The movie is a tad on the long side: although most of the two and a half hours are pretty action packed. There are also some well-placed comedic moments that help fill the time.

Just when you think the film couldn't get any better, here comes the William Tell Overture, the Lone Ranger's theme song.

It's amazing how a song can change an entire film, and change the mood of an entire theater.

The theatre came alive when the theme song started playing, people bobbing their heads, tapping their feet.

Parents should know there is quite a bit of violence in the film. Although it's a Disney production, it's rated PG-13 for a reason.

I gave The Lone Ranger a B+. It's fun for the whole family that will leave you laughing, on the edge of your seat, and tapping your toes.

Follow me on twitter @timwilliamscbs and let me know what you thought of the movie.

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