I borrowed this one from my co-worker too. I wanted to see it in theaters, but never got the chance, and this one bombed out before I could change my mind. So, I was afraid that this was just going to be another poor sequel; a vehicle for Catherine Zeta-Jones and Antonio Banderas to make a quick buck. I mean, it was made 8 years after the first movie, The Mask of Zorro. And Anthony Hopkins wasn't in this one (for very good reasons for those of you who haven't seen the first one). What could they possibly do for Zorro this time around?
I was, therefore, pleasantly surprised that Zorro is just as entertaining as he was the first time! The movie is still a sequel and, therefore, still not as good as the original, but they did well with it. The movie turns into a funny look at familial relationships in extraordinary circumstances - Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones) tires of living the secret life of a masked hero, but Alejandro (who curiously adopts the surname de la Vega....) can't give it up because it's a part of him, and he is needed by the people for which he acts as champion. Also, the couple have failed to tell their son Joaquin about dad's line of work, and there is serious distrust between son and father. Dad's gone all of the time, so Joaquin places his hero-worship in the masked avenger Zorro without knowing that Dad is Zorro. Click the movie link above for the plot summary.
Antonio, though looking a bit older in this one, was born for the role of Zorro and plays it to as much pomp and camp as he did the first time. Have I mentioned that he is one fine looking man, too? For those of you who like Cate, she looks nearly the same as the first time. Their chemistry is undeniable and is what sustains this film even moreso than the first. The kid they found to play Joaquin and the man they have playing an all-knowing priest (names unknown right now) are an absolute riot. The humor in this film provides as many thrills as Zorro's usual swashbuckling swordplay and acrobatics.
The test: will she be buying it? The answer: Yes! I think I will. I have to buy the first movie too on DVD (I only have a previous VHS copy), so perhaps I'll buy them together. I'd watch this one again. It left me feeling happy and wishing there was a Zorro nowadays who could stand up to oil cartels and such. Solid 8 out of 10 - minor flaws (mostly in plot detail) but otherwise very good.