Before this past weekend, the Marvel Cinematic Universe consisted of nine feature films and an accompanying television show. For the most part, the properties have been successes, so it is understandable that for the tenth feature, the studio felt confident in using a lesser-known property.

Director James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy takes us on our first foray away from the Earth (no, Fanboy, I’m not counting Asgard, nor alien invaders) and utilizing a wide and varied collection of cosmic Marvel characters from their publication history. And what a ride it is!

The first scenes give you the obligatory set-up and background of Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill/Star Lord. From there, he literally and figuratively takes control of the narrative. His easy, infectious charisma pulls together not only his allies, but also the antagonists and supporting characters, alike. Star Lord is the glue that holds this film together, and you are…

Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as The Lone Ranger

I have a confession to make.  I like Tarzan.  What does that have to do with The Lone Ranger?  Bear with me…  Some of the properties that I grew up on can seem, in retrospect, let’s say, “racially insensitive.”  So, there is more than a bit of consternation on my part when, periodically, Hollywood produces a new take on certain properties and, more specifically, characterizations that were offensive even when they were first presented.

I knew that Disney was producing a new Lone Ranger movie.  I was dubious, but hopeful that this could be an opportunity to introduce the character to a new generation, while avoiding some of the more unfortunate depictions of Tonto, the Native American partner to the Ranger.

Then I started seeing the trailers. Sigh.

But, still, I wanted to like this movie, because, however troubling…