The Legend of Zorro

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rufus Sewell
Directed by: Martin Campbell
Rating: PG
Genre: Action, Adventure
2005

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Alejandro (Antonio Banderas) and Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones) have been married for ten years. When Elena wishes him to give up Zorro to be with their young son, their relationship is strained, and she suddenly seeks a divorce. Alejandro is shocked to learn she seems to be falling for a mysterious noblemen (Rufus Sewell). While trying to win back his ex-wife, Zorro uncovers a sinister plot that he must try to stop.

Review:

Tim: I'd like to thank this film for its one accomplishment: completely tarnishing the legend of Zorro. How could this film be so disappointing when the original was so incredible? In just one sequel, everyone involved in the production completely forgot what made the first film great. This movie has devolved into a silly, mindless action film that offers nothing new and doesn't even try to be anything above mediocre. Zorro, one of the great actions heroes of all time, has been reduced to a silly caricature.

One of the biggest problems with this film is the story. Out of all the adventures of Zorro, this is the one they pick to make a movie out of. I cannot believe that the writers could not come up with a more exciting plot.

Antonio Banderas is too old to be a convincing hero. He more often looks sad than heroic. The film does not do a good job making Banderas look good. Half of his action scenes are so ridiculous that they make him look ridiculous. Catherine Zeta-Jones is called upon to do some absurd things as well. All the chemistry between Banderas and Zeta-Jones, which made the original so good, is completely gone. Even scenes that were for chemistry come off hollow. The final point that signals disaster is Zorro's son. He ruins the film. I hate when sequels add a child of the heroes, and the kid is some kind of super kid (like in The Mummy Returns. This always, always ruins the sequel and is never a good idea.

There are some good action scenes, but it is not enough to save a disaster of a film that ruins the greatness of the original film. What a terrible disappointment.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Mask of Zorro