cflann1525

On the whole, from a script standpoint, the movie is very good and entertaining. Warren Beatty did a decent job of portraying Siegel, but I felt he was a too old for the part. Moreover, he wasn't anywhere near good looking enough to play Ben Siegel and in my opinion is rather overrated as an actor. The real Bugsy was extremely good looking and suave. One of Siegel's best assets was his beautiful blue eyes and he had a devilish smile. That was definitely missing in the portrayal. He was cool and good looking, but at the same time could be very volatile and lethal. My choice to play Ben Siegel would have been Ray Liotta because of his looks and his great acting range. I gave it a 10 rating because it was a good movie with an excellent supporting cast. I felt Annette Benning gave a better performance than did Beatty.

Ritchie Coster is a very underrated actor. He seems to have found his niche in being a serious criminal. In this case, he is so scary it is hard to watch at times. O very sinister and pure evil. Even Hannibal Lecter wasn't this bad. It's in Ritchie's eyes and his facial expressions. He doesn't have to say much, his face says it all. His first attorney in this episode is terrified of him, and as you watch the character develop, you understand exactly why. Coster should have received an Emmy for this performance. He was outstanding and makes everyone else look like amateurs. L & O was a good series with some great episodes. This one is probably one of the best ever because of Coster's portrayal. WOW!

Just goes to show you, the professional critics rarely know what is really in the mind And heart of the average movie goer. I have been a fan of The Original Lone Ranger all my life. Am old enough to have heard the wonderful baritone voice of the radio Lone Ranger, the great Brace Beamer. Then, when The Lone Ranger premiered on TV, I was just old enough to understand the show. And I was as hooked on that show as I would later be with the original Mickey Mouse Club (Annette Funnicello!) and American Bandstand. I have always, always been a devoted fan. Even now, I watch re-runs of the original series every morning. Still a great show. Only one Lone Ranger for me - the great Clayton Moore - and only one Tonto - Jay Silverheels! They are real legends.

Having said all that - this is a great movie. Just watched it for the first time in a long time on TV and it Is one of the best scripts to come along yet - bar none - to tackle this story. Nice development of the characters and the legend in the background. The castIng in this was amazing! All characters/actors were terrific. Christopher Lloyd as Cavandish was an inspiration. Awesome Lone Ranger and Tonto. Tonto reminds me of Rick Nelson a little as he appeared in Rio Bravo. And the Ranger's horse Silver here, is as beautiful and pure white as the original amazing Silver. I laughed when he threw the Ranger into the water! That was a wonderful touch! I usually start my morning off with the two AM episodes (1/2 hours each with minimal interruptions.) of the original. I agree with one other viewer critic here. Even at my age, I still get that thrill when I hear the strains of the William Tell Overture! It means only one thing to me. When in the movie the "new" Lone Ranger gets his persona and they play the trumpeting sounds of the Overture, I got that thrill and goodsebumps. That's when I knew the movie was going to be great. And it was. The rest of the script didn't disappoint either. It is definitely a keeper. Just like in the remake of Star Trek, when at the end of the movie they play the old TV Star Trek theme - it means the cast and the movie have earned the right to use the original theme song!

Anyone who has a chance to view it should absolutely do so. It really does do justice to the original legend. Clayton Moore was devoted to his character all his life. He would have been proud of this movie adaptation of the series. I will always be grateful for his having given me such a wonderful hero in my childhood. Kids nowadays could use a few like him. The character of the Lone Ranger is a role model for all. Time.