Pub.lished Movie Reviews
The Mask of Zorro (1998)
Hollywood loves a good remake.
You take a story that was wildly successful (like "Zorro"), you get a famous actor (like Antonio Banderas), and you remake the movie almost exactly the same. Almost exactly the same. You add a modern twist, add some gratuitous violence, and remove all the charm of the original.
This movie is no remake.
We start with a middle-aged Zorro, who has a wife and child. He rides one last ride. And it all ends in disaster. His secret identity is revealed. He is captured. His wife is killed. His child is taken from him. And he is thrown in prison where he rots for twenty years.
This is just the setup for an amazing sequel to the "Zorro" franchise. Antonio Banderas gives a scintillating performance alongside both Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
The story works incredibly well, especially with such an outstanding cast. We have action. We have comedy. We have true love.
The only weak point is the bad guy's nefarious plan, which somehow involves enslaving the poor to enrich the wealthy. It should work better than it does. Probably because we don't care if one rich person steals from an even richer and more powerful person. The poor and the enslaved are never personalized.
We find ourselves not really caring about the unwashed masses who are imprisoned and enslaved. The primary concern seems to be that if California is stolen from the Spanish by the Dons, then California never becomes part of the USA.
But other than that, this movie is a rousing action thriller, a modern take on an old classic, and well worth watching.
"Be careful Señorita, there are dangerous men about."
"Well, if you see any, be sure to point them out."
- You are under the age of 13, as it contains scenes of violence and some mature content.
- You do not enjoy action and adventure movies.
- You get easily frightened or disturbed by sword fights and physical conflict.
- You are not a fan of period pieces or historical dramas.
- You prefer movies with contemporary, urban settings over those set in the past and in rural landscapes.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "The Legend of Zorro" (2005)? I mean, here we have a guy who wears a mask to hide his identity but then he leaves a 'Z' mark everywhere he goes. Oh, yeah, that’s stealthy! I guess it's like wearing a neon sign saying, "Hey, it was me, Zorro!"
And let's talk about this whole sword-fighting business. Now, I've never been in a sword fight, but I imagine it's a bit more difficult than they make it look. Yet, Zorro manages to carve his initials into everything while in the heat of battle. I mean, I can’t even write legibly when I’m walking, let alone when I'm trying to avoid getting skewered!
And how about that horse, Tornado? He's smarter than half the human characters and he’s just a horse. He finds Zorro no matter where he is. What does this horse have, GPS? Does he also make coffee in the morning?
Finally, we have the villain, Don Rafael Montero. He’s so evil, he's practically twirling his moustache. It's like he went to the 'Villain School for Overacting'. You half expect him to tie someone to a railroad track!
The Princess Bride (1987)
"The Princess Bride" is a charming blend of adventure, romance, and comedy, much like "The Mask of Zorro". Directed by Rob Reiner, it tells a fairy tale story that's as beguiling as it is funny, filled with iconic sword fights, enchanting romance, and memorable lines.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)Fanciers of "The Mask of Zorro" will love "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" because both films are packed with thrilling action, adventure, romance, and charismatic heroes. Just as "Zorro" offers sword fights and daring escapes, "Pirates" delivers high-seas battles and swashbuckling heroics. Furthermore, both movies feature a central character that is roguish, clever, and charming, creating an exciting and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)This movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a classic adventure film. If your love for "The Mask of Zorro" stems from its mix of action, history and teetering danger, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is worth your attention. As an archaeologist, Harrison Ford races against time and villains to secure a religious relic. It's filled with unforgettable set pieces, thrilling moments and witty dialogue.
Top Gun (1986)Both films offer high-energy action, charismatic leads, and thrilling storylines that blend adventure, romance, and personal transformation.
True Lies (1994)Both films offer thrilling action sequences, engaging characters, and a blend of romance and humor. They also share a similar narrative involving a double life and secret identity.
The Mummy (1999)Both movies are action-packed, adventure films from the late 90s with engaging plots, charismatic leads, and a blend of humor and romance.
Spider-Man (2002)films are action-packed and character-driven, featuring masked heroes, thrilling swordplay or acrobatics, and compelling villainous plots, with a blend of romance and humor.
The Mummy Returns (2001)films are action-adventure movies filled with thrilling fight scenes, daring heroics, charming humor, and romantic subplots.
Shrek 2 (2004)Both films offer thrilling adventure, charming humor, unique love stories, engaging characters, and have strong themes of heroism and identity.
Spider-Man 2 (2004)"The Mask of Zorro" and "Spider-Man 2" feature compelling characters, thrilling action sequences, and captivating storylines, all under the umbrella of a hero's journey.
National Treasure (2004)Both films are adventure-filled, feature charismatic leads solving historical mysteries, and blend action with humor.
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002):If you enjoyed the tale of bravery, elegance, and sheer cunning in "The Mask of Zorro", you will likely love "The Count of Monte Cristo". Directed by Kevin Reynolds, the movie offers a similarly thrilling story of a man seeking revenge but doing so in style. It's a movie packed with swordfighting, intriguing secrets, and polished suspense.
The Man in the Iron Mask (1998):Directed by Randall Wallace and based on a timeless Alexandre Dumas novel, "The Man in the Iron Mask" weaves around elements of betrayal, conspiracy and epic adventure. Should you appreciate the grandeur of Swashbuckler movies like "The Mask of Zorro", you will definitely enjoy this tale of masked identities and royal intrigue.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010):A fusion of romantic adventure and mystical fantasy, "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" might appeal to you. Directed by Mike Newell, it delivers a comparable level of high dash swashbuckling action and suspense from "The Mask of Zorro" but set within an enthralling ancient Persian backdrop.
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