Writing in the L.A. Times, Dima Alzayat checks in on the latest big-screen adaptation of “The Lone Ranger.” The famous masked man hasn’t been seen onscreen since 1981’s “The Legend of the Lone Ranger” which starred Klinton Spilsbury (Who? Exactly.) in the title role.

The new production, which had its share of troubles,and was even shut down until its budget was trimmed, stars Johnny Depp as Tonto, Helena Bonham Carter and Armie Hammer as the Ranger is directed by Gore Verbinski. It’s scheduled to hit theaters in 2013.

Here’s the nut graf:

“The revival of “The Lone Ranger” comes at a welcome time for New Mexico, which saw a sharp falloff in film activity last year when the future of its tax incentive program was thrown into question (the state kept its 25% film tax rebate, but imposed a funding cap on the program).  Sony Pictures Imageworks announced this week that it would close its visual effects unit in Albuquerque in part because of the decline in film production in the state.

Read the full story here.