Review of The Legend of Zorro (2005) by Nik M — 23 Aug 2012

This sequel should never have been made. You know, there are film series in which subsequent films get better (Godfather II may be best example), and there are others that completely fall flat. In the tradition of Caddyshack 2, Staying Alive, and Jaw: The Revenge, here comes The Legend of Zorro. Come to think of it, Oceans Twelve, which also stars Catherine Zeta-Jones, was pretty awful too. The Mask of Zorro was excellent; Banderas does Jackie Chan, Anthony Hopkins was suave and somewhat menacing, and CZJ was stunning as always- exotic as well as an outstanding actress. This attempt to update the story, with the addition of their young son (kind of an Anakin Skywalker), fails to recapture the boisterous spirit of the original. Zorro figuratively flies in on a chandelier and lands flat on his back.

Why make Elena (CZJ) a shrewish wife? Why have a cartoonish villain out to spoil the party and rule the world? It's all too formulaic and thus disappointing. I suppose other action oriented series like Indiana Jones or Back to the Future could be likewise criticized, but they never failed to entertain. One thing a Zorro movie should never be is boring; this one comes close.