Today’s quick review: The Mask of Zorro. Twenty years after losing his wife, his daughter, and his freedom to his nemesis, Governor Rafael Montero (Stuart Wilson), Diego de la Vega (Anthony Hopkins), the masked hero known as Zorro, finds a worthy protege in Alejandro Murrieta (Antonio Banderas), a hotheaded outlaw. To get his revenge, Diego trains Alejandro to become the next Zorro, protect the people, and stop Montero once and for all.
The Mask of Zorro is an action adventure that adds a new chapter to the story of the classic pulp hero. Antonio Banderas stars as Alejandro, a thief who finds new purpose in life when he meets Zorro, aged but still as sharp as ever. The Mask of Zorro embraces the breadth of its genre, with daring feats, sweeping conflicts, a sprinkling of humor, and a dash of romance. The end result is a robust and enjoyable film that delivers what it promises.
The Mask of Zorro has action at its core, and it never forgets it. Alejandro’s exploits are accompanied by chases, fights, leaping, sneaking, and all the other tricks of a masked vigilante. The film manages to squeeze a fair amount of variety into this framework. The stunts are not superlative, but they are spirited, cleanly executed, and doled out in generous heaps, with just enough creativity to keep the action feeling fresh throughout.
The Mask of Zorro also boasts a surprising amount of story. The plot includes a number of threads that are woven together well, including Alejandro’s training as Diego’s successor, Montero’s plan to claim California for himself, and Diego’s attempt to reach Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones), the daughter that Montero stole from him. These subplots give the film an unusual amount of substance and make it a worthwhile addition to Zorro’s canon.
Still, The Mask of Zorro is bound by its premise. How much you get out of the movie will depend on how much you like adventures in general. The plot is dramatic but not realistic. The action goes a step beyond the usual swashbuckling fare, but it’s still outclassed by the best of the action genre. The characters generally hit the mark but tend to be good rather than great. In short, The Mask of Zorro is exactly what it presents itself as.
The Mask of Zorro is a strong pick when you’re in the mood for something adventurous with a good balance of comedy and drama. How much you get out of the film will come down to taste, but adventure fans will find that The Mask of Zorro has a little bit of everything, woven together well and delivered with panache. Those interested in what it has to offer should give it a shot. Those looking for high drama or fine art may want to steer clear.
For a more dramatic tale of revenge, try The Count of Monte Cristo. For the superhero equivalent, try Batman Begins. For an even more sweeping adventure in the same vein, try Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
6.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for solid action and plot.