Why People Hate It: Probably the fact that Johnny Depp's portrayal of Tonto set back Native Americans about fifty years, and that one of the only really good roles specifically written as Native American was given to a white actor Why People Should Hate It: To be fair, those are pretty valid concerns, and a darn good reason to hate a movie. But in the audience's haste to criticize the film on racial and cultural grounds, they argue what is arguable the bigger crime -- it's a genuinely bad movie. It sucks that Native Americans still have to deal with this kind of stuff, but The Lone Ranger is hardly the only film that doesn't necessarily do right by them. If it was a good film in spite of these problematic issues, that would be one thing. Maybe we could find it in our hearts to forgive. But it isn't. Not by a long shot. The dialogue is ham-fisted with obvious comedic gags signposted about a mile away. The acting is cheesy and over the top, especially in the case of Johnny Depp, his gurning recreation of Captain Jack that is a perfect example of a formerly great actor who has just stopped trying. And if this was a kid's movie, all of that would be fine and dandy. But it's got a PG-13 rating, which says that the filmmakers were at least trying to make a film which would appeal to adults and older teens. And that's where we're left scratching our heads.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
