The Legend Of Zorro 4K UHD Review
“The Legend Of Zorro” is not on the same level as “The Mask Of Zorro.”
2005’s “The Legend Of Zorro” is the follow up to 1998’s “The Mask Of Zorro.” In this entry, the story takes place in 1850 with California on the verge of becoming a U.S. state. Not everyone is happy about this including a powerful secret society led by Armand that is looking to attack the U.S. and create chaos. Don Alejandro De La Vega (AKA Zorro) plots to stop him, but even Zorro has his hands full in this movie as he is dealing with family issues. Not only is he neglecting his son Joaquin (who doesn’t know he is Zorro), but his wife Elena has divorced him and is secretly working as a spy. Can Alejandro save the day and his family?
Action director extraordinaire Martin Campbell (best known for “Casino Royale”) returned to direct the second Zorro, but the results aren’t quite as memorable this time around. Writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman crafted a script that feels very much like an early 00’s action movie complete with big action set pieces (on horses and on a train), an over-the-top henchman (the scarred Jacob McGivens), a fiendish secret society/villain that threatens a nation, a bloated runtime (why is this 130 minutes?) and cartoony humor. The biggest drawback here is the family storyline. It feels way too soon to be introducing a son character that is following in his father’s footsteps. On top of that, Elena’s character arc (which sees her away from Zorro for much of the runtime) feels entirely forced for the sake of drama. Who is watching a Zorro story for familial woes?
Perhaps the most puzzling aspect is why it took 7 years in between films. “The Mask Of Zorro” was a smash summer movie hit in 1998 and a lot of that momentum was lost during the break. “The Legend Of Zorro” was a modest hit, but it did end the franchise. The sequel felt like one big missed opportunity. Surely there had to have been a better proposed story than one about a secret society, hidden identity, and family squabbles.
On the plus side, the swashbuckling action is generally on point here. Viewers can expect everything from shootouts and sword fights to acrobatic stunts and fiery explosions. The action is aided by the late great James Horner’s sweeping score which is among the highlights here.
Some actors feel like they were born to play a certain character and Antonio Banderas was certainly born to play Zorro. Whether he’s in or out of the Zorro outfit, he is always charismatic and a joy to watch even when the movie lets him down. It’s a real shame he didn’t get to do more Zorro films. Catherine Zeta-Jones has a more substantial arc here (albeit a ridiculous one) and does the best she can with it. Zeta-Jones is at her best here when she’s on screen with Banderas. The two have great chemistry together to be sure.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.35:1 2160p. How does it look? Fans of the film will be over the moon with this crisp new transfer.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmo. How does it sound? This is a flat-out thunderous Atmos track.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* Teaser and trailer
* 4 deleted scenes with optional commentary by Martin Campbell.
* 4 featurettes- “Stunts,” “Playing WIth Trains,” “Armand’s Party” and “Visual Effects.”
* Commentary by Martin Campbell and Phil Meheux.
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