Rated PG-13
Reviewed by: Chris
July 29, 1998

Ever since Douglas Fairbanks first donned a cape in the 1920's The Mask of Zorro fans have been intrigued by the dashing masked crusader.

Romance, swashbuckling heroics and excitement abound in this new adventure starring Anthony Hopkins and Antonio Banderas.

Set in 19th century Spanish-ruled California, Hopkins plays Don Diego De la Vega and his alter ego, Zorro.  He's middle-age and ready to hang up his saddle and spend some time with his lovely wife and baby daughter, Elena, but the corrupt Governor Don Rafael, arrests him and kidnaps his baby to be raised as his own.

Flash forward 20 years, Don Diego has escaped and stops short of killing his enemy when he sees his daughter (Catherine Zeta-Jones) at Rafael's side.

Diego finds a bearded, scruffy, small time thief Alejandro (Banderas) to take over for him.  After some intense training, he transforms Alejandro into a competent swordsman and gentleman.

Banderas cleans up very well indeed, and makes a mischievous, yet dashing Zorro.  The romance between Elena and Alejandro is somewhat like the tango they share--sexy, flirtatious and fun.

With Martin Campbell (Golden Eye) directing, the sword fights, acrobatics and horseback riding are non-stop and high energy.

There's something irresistible about a man who travels the countryside avenging the down-trodden--that he's also handsome, athletic, has a sense of humor, and there's actually two of them, all the better.

It is rated PG-13 for some graphic violence.