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One Ranger
One Ranger
One Ranger
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One Ranger
Official release poster
Directed byJesse V. Johnson
Written byJesse V. Johnson
Produced by
Starring
CinematographySimon Rowling
Edited byMatthew Lorentz
Music bySean Murray
Production
company
Renegade Entertainment
Distributed byLionsgate
Release dates
  • April 28, 2023 (2023-04-28) (Dallas)
  • May 5, 2023 (2023-05-05)
Running time
95 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$27,938[1][2]

One Ranger is a 2023 American action thriller film written and directed by Jesse V. Johnson and starring Thomas Jane and John Malkovich.

Plot

[edit]

Texas Ranger Alex Tyree (Thomas Jane) tracks Declan McBride (Dean Jagger), a bank robber, across the desert — only to discover he's an international terrorist set on detonating a bomb in the heart of London. When the lawman's partner is killed, he is drawn into partnership with British intelligence agent Jennifer Smith (Dominique Tipper) and her boss Geddes (John Malkovich) to bring the outlaw to justice — dead or alive.[2]

Cast

[edit]

Release

[edit]

In October 2022, it was announced that the rights to the film were acquired by Lionsgate.[3]

The film premiered at the Dallas International Film Festival on April 28, 2023.[4] Then it was released in selected theaters and on demand on May 5, 2023.[5]

Box office

[edit]

As of October 18, 2023, One Ranger grossed $27,938, in Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the United Arab Emirates.[1][2]

Reception

[edit]

The film has 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on eight reviews.[6]

Dennis Harvey of Variety gave the film a negative review and wrote, "Instead, it's a self-canceling combination of the earnest and the clueless, its technical competency shorn of any leavening style or personality."[7] Matt Zoller Seitz of RogerEbert.com awarded the film two stars.[8]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

One Ranger

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
One Ranger is a 2023 American action thriller film written and directed by . The movie stars as a skilled Ranger who is recruited by British intelligence to track down and apprehend a dangerous international terrorist plotting an attack on . Co-starring as a British agent and as the antagonist, the film blends Western-style gunplay with elements, following the Ranger's pursuit from the American Southwest across the Atlantic. Released theatrically in select markets and on digital platforms beginning , 2023, One Ranger was produced by 308 Entertainment and distributed by Lionsgate. The screenplay draws on Johnson's experience with action genres, emphasizing themes of justice, cultural clashes between American and international intrigue, and high-stakes chases. Filmed in , , and a desert location in the United States to evoke both urban and desert settings, the production featured practical stunts and firearms choreography to highlight the protagonist's rugged expertise. Critically, the film received mixed reviews, praised for its energetic pacing and Jane's charismatic but critiqued for formulaic plotting and uneven tone. With a runtime of 95 minutes, One Ranger targets fans of gritty action thrillers, positioning itself as a modern homage to lone-hero narratives in the vein of classic Westerns adapted to contemporary global threats.

Plot and Characters

Plot

Texas Ranger Alex Tyree, a skilled and independent lawman embodying traditional , pursues a bank robber across the arid following a deadly heist that claims the lives of several officers. During the intense chase, Tyree uncovers that the robber, Declan McBride, is an ex-IRA terrorist who has evaded capture for years and is now orchestrating a sophisticated plot to detonate a in the heart of . McBride, driven by a mix of ideological grudges and personal vendetta against global powers, funds his operations through international crime, making him a high-priority target for multiple agencies. After successfully capturing McBride in with minimal support, Tyree faces tragedy when his longtime partner is killed in an by McBride's during the process, fueling Tyree's determination for . Recruited by British intelligence operative Jennifer Smith and her superior Geddes, Tyree reluctantly joins their operation, bringing his unorthodox, gunslinging approach to a world of and that clashes with his lone-wolf instincts. The team, including an ex-IRA informant, races against a 48-hour deadline to track McBride's network in , confronting his ruthless enforcer in brutal hand-to-hand and sequences that highlight Tyree's superior marksmanship. As the plot unfolds, revelations emerge about McBride's alliance with a rogue arms dealer aiming to amplify the attack's devastation at a high-profile event, forcing Tyree to navigate betrayals and internal team conflicts while grappling with the loss of his partner and the moral complexities of international counterterrorism. Tyree's arc evolves from a regional enforcer skeptical of global intrigue to a pivotal figure in averting catastrophe, with high-octane action atop iconic landmarks in where he dismantles the bomb plot, followed by apprehending McBride in a climactic showdown in reminiscent of Western duels. The weaves Western themes of personal honor and pursuit with contemporary thriller elements of and urban , emphasizing the tension between individual heroism and institutional bureaucracy.

Cast

Thomas Jane leads the cast as Alex Tyree, a battle-hardened Ranger known for his sharpshooting skills and relentless pursuit of justice. plays Geddes, the shrewd British Intelligence agent who draws Tyree into a global crisis. portrays Declan McBride, a calculating terrorist mastermind orchestrating a deadly plot. Dominique Tipper stars as Agent Jennifer Smith, a determined British intelligence agent providing crucial support in the mission. The ensemble features as Doc, a resourceful aiding the team, and as Yuri the Cossack, McBride's loyal enforcer. Notable among the casting is the reunion of and Dominique Tipper, who previously collaborated as Detective Joe Miller and Naomi Nagata in the sci-fi series The Expanse, bringing established on-screen chemistry to their action roles here. Thomas Jane, with a history of embodying tough protagonists in action films like The Punisher (2004), fits seamlessly into the gunslinger archetype.

Production

Development

The screenplay for One Ranger was written and directed by Jesse V. Johnson, who drew inspiration from his early career as a stunt performer on the television series Walker, Texas Ranger and a desire to revive Western heroism in a modern context. Development of the project began around , building on Johnson's experience with action-oriented films to create a narrative centered on elite figures. The production team was assembled with Corey Large and Bernie Gewissler serving as producers, while executive producers included lead actor and Courtney Lauren Penn through their company Renegade Entertainment. Financing advanced following Lionsgate's acquisition of the project at the in October 2022, positioning it as a low-to-mid budget action thriller suitable for international sales. Johnson's creative vision emphasized fusing classic Western tropes—such as the lone gunslinging hero and frontier pursuit—with espionage thriller elements, including British operations and cross-cultural clashes between American and European agents. This approach aimed to honor Texas Ranger lore, inspired by historical figures and quotes like "," while updating the genre for contemporary audiences through high-stakes international plots.

Filming

Principal photography for One Ranger took place primarily in February 2022 over a limited timeframe constrained by cast availability, with 80% of the film shot in , , before wrapping ahead of the Lionsgate distribution deal announced in October 2022. The production utilized two units: the main unit for dialogue and fight scenes, and a for close-ups and cutaways, allowing efficient coverage despite the tight schedule. Filming occurred on location in , , which served as a stand-in for urban settings, incorporating sites such as Ipswich Town Football Club, the Shamrock Pub, Burton Warehouse for a key firefight sequence, Endeavour House for interior municipal scenes, Russell Road for nearby exteriors, and the Ipswich Waterfront for additional outdoor shots. A air base was also used, including a church interior lit by natural sunlight filtering through windows to enhance atmospheric tension. The opening pursuit sequences were captured in an unnamed desert location in the United States to evoke a landscape. Cinematographer Simon Rowling employed Red V-Raptor and Red Komodo cameras paired with Atlas Orion Anamorphic lenses to emphasize practical action shots, using handheld techniques for dynamic energy in chases and fights, while and dolly shots provided steady coverage for dialogue. Lighting relied on Astera Titan Tubes as practical sources, 4K/6K HMIs, bounce boards, and haze to manage winter daylight limitations and confined locations, with combined wide-to-mid shots streamlining coordination. Challenges included balancing natural and artificial light in short days and jolting the camera subtly to amplify the impact of punches and kicks in choreography featuring actors and . The action sequences blended UK and European environments with an American Western aesthetic through Rowling's visual choices, such as desaturated tones for the desert chases and gritty, grounded framing for urban fights, creating a cohesive transatlantic pursuit narrative without heavy reliance on .

Release

Distribution

One Ranger was distributed by Lionsgate, which handled both domestic and international releases with a strategy emphasizing limited theatrical screenings, (VOD), digital platforms, and to target action enthusiasts directly. The film premiered at the International on April 28, 2023, serving as the opening night feature before its wider rollout. In the United States, One Ranger received a limited theatrical release alongside VOD and digital availability on May 5, 2023. Physical media, including Blu-ray and DVD editions, followed on June 13, 2023, featuring bonus content such as behind-the-scenes footage to extend viewer engagement. Internationally, Lionsgate managed a phased limited release beginning May 4, 2023, in markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, with subsequent releases in Europe starting June 15, 2023, under the title Americká spravedlnost in Czech and Slovak markets. Marketing campaigns centered on Lionsgate's action-thriller portfolio, with the official trailer debuting on on March 22, 2023, garnering views through high-energy clips showcasing Thomas Jane's rugged Ranger persona. Promotional posters highlighted Jane in intense, gun-slinging scenarios reminiscent of classic Western-infused action heroes, distributed across digital platforms and theater lobbies to build anticipation for the straight-to-consumer model.

Box office

One Ranger had a primarily in international markets, accumulating a worldwide gross of $27,938 as of October 2023. This total comprised earnings from ($12,141), the ($12,101), the ($2,645), and ($1,050). No domestic revenue was reported for the , aligning with its strategy as a video-on-demand (VOD) and digital-first release by Lionsgate starting May 5, 2023. The film's financial performance was driven by home media rather than theaters, with simultaneous availability on digital platforms and on demand in the U.S., followed by Blu-ray and DVD distribution on June 13, 2023. Specific revenue figures from VOD, digital sales, and are not publicly disclosed, though such ancillary markets typically provide the bulk of earnings for Lionsgate's action titles. As a low-budget production, One Ranger exemplifies the genre's reliance on cost-effective filmmaking to ensure viability through non-theatrical channels, though exact budget details remain unreported. Its modest theatrical returns underscore the underperformance common to similar VOD-heavy releases, where international cinema play is minimal and U.S.-centric digital consumption predominates.

Reception

Critical reception

One Ranger received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with praise centered on its action sequences and select performances amid broader criticisms of its formulaic narrative and lack of originality. On , the film holds a 25% approval rating based on eight reviews, reflecting a general consensus of disappointment in its execution. Critics frequently highlighted the film's predictable storyline and uneven pacing, particularly its convoluted terrorist plot involving international villains that felt derivative of action thrillers like Taken or The Equalizer. Matt Zoller Seitz of RogerEbert.com awarded it two out of four stars, noting that the narrative "holds no surprises" and involves a Texas Ranger "getting tangled up with international bad guys and government agents" in a manner that flattens characters into stereotypes. Dennis Harvey of Variety described the plot as "ridiculous as well as uninspired," criticizing its implausible setup and reliance on creaky cowboy dialogue alongside ethnic stereotypes for antagonists. Despite these flaws, reviewers commended director Jesse V. Johnson's action choreography for its effective, visceral staging of fight scenes and gunplay. Seitz praised the "well-done fists and guns" that "hit their intended targets surely," crediting Johnson's direction for immersing audiences in the violence. Thomas Jane's performance as the stoic Ranger Alex Tyree drew consistent acclaim for its charismatic gravitas; Seitz highlighted Jane's subtle portrayal, likening a key moment to the understated toughness of classic Western stars like . Harvey noted Jane's "stiff, macho portrayal" as a highlight in the otherwise routine proceedings. John Malkovich's scenery-chewing turn as a quirky intelligence operative also garnered , with some appreciating its eccentric energy despite mixed execution. While Seitz found the overall ensemble uneven, other outlets like Nerdly lauded the performances broadly, including Malkovich's, for elevating the B-movie appeal. Variety positioned the film as a low-budget actioner with modest charms for genre fans, though it ultimately lacks memorable distinction.

Audience response

Audience members have given One Ranger mixed to negative ratings across major platforms. On , the film holds a 4.9/10 score based on 4,344 user ratings as of November 2025, reflecting general disappointment with the script and pacing despite appreciation for its action sequences. On , the audience score is 31% based on over 50 ratings. Similarly, users rate it an average of 2.5 out of 5 from 1,202 reviews, with some highlighting Thomas Jane's charismatic portrayal of the rugged Texas Ranger as a standout element. Fan discussions often praise the film's blend of Western tropes and thriller elements, particularly the high-energy fight scenes and Jane's commanding presence, which evoke classic lone-hero actioners. However, common criticisms include reliance on overused clichés in the storyline and John Malkovich's inconsistent British accent, which some viewers found distracting and unconvincing. Following its limited theatrical run, One Ranger performed steadily on video-on-demand platforms after its May 5, 2023, digital release, appealing to fans of low-budget action cinema and developing a niche following among enthusiasts of the genre. The film targets primarily male action movie viewers, drawing comparisons to director Jesse V. Johnson's earlier works like and for their gritty, stunt-driven style.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23037488/
  2. https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/one-ranger
  3. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/one_ranger
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD4UrHqPp9U
  5. https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/one-ranger-review-thomas-jane-1235602927/
  6. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/one-ranger-movie-review-2023
  7. https://thecinemaholic.com/where-was-one-ranger-filmed/
  8. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/one-ranger
  9. https://dmtalkies.com/one-ranger-ending-explained-2023-drama-action-film-jesse-johnson/
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23037488/fullcredits/
  11. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1093994-one-ranger
  12. https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/one-ranger/umc.cmc.yf2xwkr410axnw5thjs242r4
  13. https://screenrant.com/one-ranger-movie-dominique-tipper-interview/
  14. https://bleedingcool.com/movies/one-ranger-director-jesse-v-johnson-on-embracing-western-heroism/
  15. https://deadline.com/2022/10/thomas-jane-john-malkovich-one-ranger-lionsgate-afm-1235155387/
  16. https://www.thewrap.com/lionsgate-one-ranger-john-malkovich-thomas-jane-movie/
  17. https://britishcinematographer.co.uk/simon-rowling-one-ranger/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23037488/locations/
  19. https://diff2023.eventive.org/schedule/one-ranger-642cb0446e7f3a0d95a2328e
  20. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/One-Ranger-%282023%29
  21. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt23037488/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23037488/releaseinfo/
  23. https://www.movieinsider.com/posters/695379
  24. https://www.nerdly.co.uk/2023/05/08/one-ranger-review/
  25. https://letterboxd.com/film/one-ranger/
  26. https://letterboxd.com/toombsinator/film/one-ranger/
  27. https://cityonfire.com/one-ranger-2023-review-jesse-v-johnson-thomas-jane-john-malkovich/
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