'The Lone Ranger' review: The Man of Silver rides again

"This is another fine mess you've gotten us into, Kemosabe."

Everybody's a critic, especially when it comes to critics. No better example exists than the current disparity in reaction to "The Lone Ranger."

Critics hate it. The movie currently has a 24% rating on the Tomatometer, based on 117 reviews. At the same time, more than 55,000 movie viewers give the Johnny Depp take on the Western classic a healthy 68% approval rating.

Who to believe?

In this case, the public clearly knows more than the critics. Depp (Tonto) and Armie Hammer (the title role) will never be accused of delivering a modern retelling of "Hamlet." But they do give audiences a great popcorn flick.

Great. Popcorn. Flick.

Flawed, yes. But so is "Man of Steel," and more than twice as many Tomatometer critics (56%) liked the bastardization of the Superman myth (viewers, meanwhile, checked in at 78%). In my ever-so-humble opinion, "The Lone Ranger" is superior summertime entertainment to "Man of Steel."

"Who was that masked man?"

For one, "Ranger" director Gore Verbinski is truer to the characters' mythology. He and writers Terry Russo, Ted Elliott and Justin Haythe give added depth to both Tonto and John Reid (oh, did we give away The Masked Man's secret identity?). Even people familiar with Reid's tragic story of ranger-turned-vigilante will gain a greater appreciation for the character's motivation. And the backstory of Tonto, when finally revealed by fellow Indians, is both sad and touching. The lead character in "Man of Steel" could have been any number of alien super beings, but he was not Superman.

For another, "Ranger" has heart. Depp and Hammer provide not only comic moments, but a genuine affection and sense of duty toward the people they are trying to protect from the villainous Latham Cole (a superb Tom Wilkinson) and his cohorts. In particular, William Fichtner deserves special mention as Butch Cavendish. While "Man of Steel" left great parts of Metropolis and Smallville in ruins with no apparent emotional impact on the characters, the Old West heroes are driven by the pain felt by others. Above all, they seek justice.

And on a personal note - the movie includes killer rabbits. As Tonto says, nature is out of balance. At times, "The Lone Ranger" is out of balance, too. Just sit back, eat your popcorn, and enjoy.