KANSAS CITY, Mo —
**THE LONE RANGER (PG-13)**
RUSS
Johnny Depp’s undeniable charisma has saved many a movie. But his mojo is put to the ultimate test with “The Lone Ranger,” a gargantuan, ill-conceived action comedy.
SHAWN
Hard to believe but “The Lone Ranger” is worse than the “Wild Wild West.” It’s a mess.
RUSS
Depp plays Tonto in this bloated and overwrought revisionist Western that turns “The Lone Ranger,” played by Armie Hammer, into a well-meaning buffoon.
SHAWN
Everything about “The Lone Ranger” is dumb. And I’m sorry. It’s inexcusable for Hollywood not to hire an actual Native American to play Tonto. Really?
RUSS
Trains are constantly derailing in this movie, which is the perfect metaphor for the miscalculated plot and execution.
SHAWN
This is this summer’s biggest wreck.
RUSS
The individual action scenes are impressive and Depp’s reputation will remain unscathed, but “The Lone Ranger” is an exercise in mind-numbing overkill.
SHAWN
Big fireworks. Little fun.
RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 1 Popcorn Bag
**DESPICABLE ME 2 (PG)**
RUSS
“Despicable Me 2,” is a worthy sequel to the 2010 animated favorite.
SHAWN
Yes, on par with the first but those Minons do get a bit annoying after a while but the kids will love them and this movie.
RUSS
The filmmakers have packed the movie with clever sight gags, making good use of 3-D technology. Plus, the script has charm and good humor to spare. Stick through the closing credits for some additional Minion mayhem.
SHAWN
The 3D is fun.
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
**STUCK IN LOVE (R)**
RUSS
“Stuck in Love” is an appropriate title for this minor but likable sitcom starring Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Connelly and Lily Collins. Kinnear plays an acclaimed writer whose kids try to break him out of the funk he’s been in since his wife left him. It’s easy to see the clockworks in this contrived and sentimental flick, but its watchable cast and unhip optimism give it a boost.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
ALSO OPENING THIS WEEK:
“The Attack” is about a Palestinian doctor whose wife is accused of being a suicide bomber. Terence Stamp and Vanessa Redgrave play an aging couple that finds new life when they join a singing group in the comic drama, “Unfinished Song.” “20 Feet from Stardom” is an acclaimed documentary about backup singers who worked with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger, Sting and many others. And finally, “Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain” is a concert film from the popular stand-up comic.
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