Johnny Depp starring in a Western. Didn't think I'd see that in my lifetime.
But this is no ordinary Western and Depp is no John Wayne.
Depp as Tonto provides wonderful comic value and you never quite know where he is heading next.
The Lone Ranger is one of those movies that delivers more than it promises. We all know The Lone Ranger of old - a story first told before World War II and reprised a number of times since then.
But a wonderful fresh touch has been applied to the 2013 story and it is a gem.
John Reid - the Lone Ranger (Armie Hammer) - is a legal man who returns to his Wild West hometown to assist his brother and ranger, Dan (James Badge Dale), in keeping the peace between the rangers and the Native Americans.
Making life difficult for everyone is the evil Butch Cavendish (William Fichtner) who kills Dan and all the local rangers soon after John arrives.
As the only survivor, John - with the help of Tonto - sets out to find and finish Butch.
Tonto has his own reasons for seeking revenge on Butch after a childhood attack on his tribe.
The Lone Ranger and Tonto are not exactly gun-toting invincible lawmakers. But with a bit of determination, good luck and truth on their side, the pair uncover what is really going on with Butch and that the new railroad holds the key to understanding what is really hapening.
There is plenty to love about a movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. Watching the Lone Ranger galloping on Silver across the top of buildings and trains is a bit unexpected.
Although there is plenty of horse-riding stunts, gunfights and explosions, The Lone Ranger is not dependant on action to make its mark.
It combines an intriguing story, some wonderful comic moments from Depp and the action to make a well-rounded and surprisingly great package.
