The Legend of Zorro (2005) (Full Screen)

The Legend is preserved!

By Yahoo! Shopping User  May 24, 2006

Pros: chemistry b/w Alejandro and Elena (Banderas/Zeta-Jones); action packed

Cons: Joaquin character is annoying

Finally, after 7 years since the last Hollywood Zorro movie hit the big screen, director Martin Campbell is back with his original cast of Antonio Banderas in the title role, and Catherine Zeta Jones as his wife Elena de la Vega. Set 10 years after t...he last movie, The Legend of Zorro wastes no time in plunging the audience thick into trademarked action pieces - the acrobatic lunges, flips, swordfights, whip action and horseback riding. It's all familiar territory with the romanticized Old California, now at a crossroads where the state is in decision to join the rest of America. Things have changed for the de la Vega family too, as they have a new addition to the family, a son named Joaquin, who takes on traits of his father, but not knowing his father's secret identity. Naturally, family takes the central theme in this movie. Why do vigilantes wear masks - simply to protect their loved ones as they enroll in the crusade for justice. This film explores the dilemma as he struggles to be there for the general public in their hour of need, and the balance of spending enough quality time with his own family. Antonio Banderas' portrayal of Alejandro/Zorro was once again nothing short of brilliant. Certainly there was a decent script there for him to work with, but the characterization and the comic timing that he brings to the role are uniquely his own. Catherine Zeta-Jones again brings grace, charm and spirit to her reprise of Elena, but now she has the added dimension of motherhood to alter her priorities and her choices. I enjoyed this movie very much. I especially enjoyed the climactic train fight. I liked the part when Zorro tells Armand that no matter where he goes, the world is not big enough for him to hide from him. I also liked how Abraham Lincoln shows up in the end when California is joining the Union. The pros were the screenplay, which didn't care much for detail, but was still excellently written, despite lacking the drama of "Mask". Martin Campbell's stunning, sweeping direction carries on its legacy. Excellent camera-work too. Antonio Banderas and Zeta-Jones pull off good performances. The movie itself was action packed and there were many exciting stunts.The acrobatics and extreme movement in the movie is the first thing that catches your eye. Without focusing too much on the original i will say that there is no doubt that 'The Legend of Zorro' was a cracking piece of entertainment that i could watch many times over again.'The Legend of Zorro' took the legendary hero to new heights with a new story line plus special effects and unbelievable acrobatics, it was basically modern Hollywood being extravagant with a swashbuckling adventure film. Read more Less