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…