Film Reviews

The Legend Of Zorro

• Rating:
• Director: Martin Cambell
• Starring: Antonio Banderas
• Details: US, 129mins, PG.

Don Alejandro de la Vega (Banderas) has tried to hang up the cape and settle down to the quiet life with his wife Elena (Zeta-Jones) and son Joaquin (Adrian Alonso) but the thrill of his swashbuckling feats prove too much of a lure and he is forced to choose between his family and Zorro. Choosing his job (damn right), Zorro is thrown out of the house and Elena begins divorce proceedings. Fast forward three months and Elena has hooked up with suave businessman Blanca Cortez (Giovanna Zacarias) who is under investigation by a secret government for planning to block California's entry into the Union. Opening with a fun and exciting running battle sequence, The Legend of Zorro fails to capitalise on this initial promise as it retreats quicker than the Mexican Army for the duration of the overly confusing plot about railroads and soap (don't ask) and as a result the script feels like a first draft of action sequences rather than a cohesive structured storyline. There are some comic moments, though, as Banderas seems to be the only one who realises that the whole thing is ludicrous and has a bit of fun but feels like he is missing the grounding of Anthony Hopkins this time round.

Review by Gavin Burke