The Lone Ranger
Release date: July 3 Oscar prospects: Slight Who's not tired of the teaming of director Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp, right? I mean, Johnny Depp parading around as some eccentric character with some goofy wardrobe is never going to go out of fashion or get old, just like Gangnam Style and the Harlem Shake. Because, I don't know about you, but a mere three Pirates films between the duo just left me begging for more. Okay, putting my sarcasm aside, is anyone really looking forward to this movie? And if you are, please explain to me in full details in the comments section below, why you are looking forward to The Lone Ranger? I sincerely want to understand. The film, which actually stars Armie Hammer in the title role and Depp as his Native-American sidekick, Tonto, is a "reimagining" of a popular 1930's radio serial (although it later became a popular television show in the early 1950's as well), which means Hollywood's penchant for movies based on established intellectual property has driven it all the way back to the Great Depression for source material. What's next, a Little Orphan Annie movie, probably starring Depp in the title role? By the year 2025, we'll probably have a huge summer release of The Tales of Canterbury, along with the inevitable sequels every two to three years. Before you dismiss The Lone Ranger's Oscar chances out of hand though, remember, Verbinski has actually won an Oscar, for his last collaboration with Depp on the animated film Rango (only if The Lone Ranger was animated, then I might be looking forward to it). Even his Pirates trilogy, which didn't exactly ooze prestige, was fairly successful with the Academy in the technical categories, each earning a Best Visual Effects nomination and some receiving individual nominations in fields such as sound, makeup, and art direction. I wouldn't expect The Lone Ranger to be popping up on any "best of the year" lists, but I would be surprised if the film doesn't manage to get nominated for something along the way. Possible nominations: Best Visual Effects, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Costume Design, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing