Rating: 
Summary: I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving this Movie!
Review: Here's how big a fan of this movie I am; I bought the original DVD a few years ago, then for Christmas I got the Superbit Edition, only to find out the Special Edition has more extras...
so I'm now going to get that edition. But it's worth it, this movie is one of my favorites ever. I don't really need to get into the plot. All you need to know is it's Catherine Zeta-Jones in her break-through American film debut, and Antonio Banderas, as the first ever hispanic Zorro. The rest of the plot you should know. Thank God for Steven Spielberg, otherwise CZJ might still be stuck doing B movies, instead she's become one of the elite film actresses of our generation...Golden Globe nominations for her roles in Traffic and Chicago. Anyway, this movie was the highlight of my Freshman yr of HS...when I think of summer of '98, I think of 2 movies, Zorro and X-Files. And even though I was a huge X-Phile and quite obsessed, I have to say I liked and still like Zorro way better. I became the hugest CZJ fan and actually took up fencing in college, although I've yet to have my clothes slashed off by someone that looks as hot as Antonio Banderas. The chemistry between Catherine and Antonio is so great, I wanted him to ditch Melanie and hook up with Catherine in real life...cause anything that hot on screen (without an actual love scene mind you) has to translate in reality. But alas, he stayed married, and she got married, and had kids so...at least I have this movie, and hopefully a sequel.Like I said, I just found out the Special Edition has way more extras, but before I heard that, I was actually really impressed with the superbit edition. There's an exclusive documentary which takes you into the process of making the movie. It's really interesting to see how the scenes were choreographed, and how hard the actors had to train for all of the stunts. Check out the deleted scenes...there's a great scene with CZJ on horseback that got cut, but showed she mastered horseriding after an initial fear of horses. But the coolest thing is the making of the swordfighting scenes. The scenes were actually choreographed like a dance scene, and each movement had to be precise to work out...so major kudos to the actors. James Horner (who had just come off of scoring Titanic) wanted something totally different, and decided to use background music of flamenco dancers feet tapping behind the swordplay scenes. Which works really well, since the scenes are actually very close to a dance. The tapping feet are also noted in the second sexiest scene of the movie...Elena & Don Alejandro's "spirited" dancing. The music video is also great. I fell in love with that song immediately, and stayed in the theater until it was over, then bought the soundtrack for that, as well as the beautiful score by James Horner. So go buy this DVD...or all 3 for that matter. There's bound to be another edition in a few years anyway...which I'd buy in a heatbeat as well.
Rating: 
Summary: Zorro has never been given a better treatment!
Review: Remember all those old movies where the swashbuckling hero swoops down to the rescue and saves the day for one and all, defeating the enemies and getting the girl all within a few hours' entertainment? "The Mask of Zorro" is a testament to those movies, embodying all of these characteristics in its magnificent story and exhilarating action sequences. With a powerhouse cast that seems as if they were born to play the parts they play, as well as strong music and a solid story, Zorro once again rises from Hollywood deterioration to save the day in a movie that is good, old-fashioned fun from beginning to end! The old Zorro legend is given a new twist with this film, which begins with Don Diego de la Vega, the original and legendary Zorro, saving a group of prisoners from execution in the town square and leaving his mark on his nemesis, Don Raphael, warning him to leave and never return. Raphael does leave, but not before killing de la Vega's wife and taking his child, also having him imprisoned. Many years later, Raphael returns, "daughter" in tow, to name himself the new governer and to make sure his past enemy is all but alive in his prison. Through extreme craftiness and cunning, de la Vega escapes, only to discover his life is no longer what it once was. His venture into the public brings him to the attention of one Alejandro Murrieta, who quarrels with him in the marketplace and then resolves himself to friendship. The two do share a past: on the day of Zorro's last battle, Alejandro, along with his brother, saved him from death. Now, Alejandro is distraught and torn with revenge for Captain Harrison Love, the murderer of his brother, and agrees to take on the mask once worn by de la Vega, who in turn will teach him the art of fighting with honor and grace. The movie is one of those tributes to the old movies of the past, which played out the story of a hero who won all the goods and the girl in the ending. This one admittedly involves a few more characters than those old movies, but that's not to say that they don't each play a special part in the advancement of the movie. The romance, epic scale, action sequences and extreme wit are all present, making this a very exciting and memorable movie experience. The advancement of the plot lies within the external battle between Raphael and our two heroes, who devise plan after plan to bring him to his downfall. They discover that he has made plans of tricking Santa Anna out of his own land, thus setting the stage for the impending climax which pits good against evil. The characters are all given the chance to become complex and intelligent, which is important in a movie like this. As they begin to outmatch one another, this adds on to the movie's tension over who will win out in the end. The settings and music have a vast effect on the look and feel of this movie, which takes place in the 19th century. The sets are full of artistic influences from Spanish backgrounds and artists, giving it the true look and feel of the time period. Costume design also adds to the grandeur and pomp of the aristocracy as well as the impoverished conditions of the poor, adding to the contrast between the two differing demographics. The music, composed by James Horner, is amazing, employing Spanish instruments and rhythms while keeping a mordern feel to its score as well. The music adds a lot of heart to the movie, bringing out the intensity, the romance, the passion, and the victories with stylish and rousing compositions that fit right into the entire picture. The choreography and stunts for this film are what really make it work for the audience, dazzling us with some of the most effective swordplay ever acted out on film. Most of the battle scenes involve men with swords, fighting against one another with an honorable form of battle. Actors Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stuart Wilson and Matt Letscher all hit the swordplay as if they are prose, adding believability as well as excitement to these scenes. The actors mentioned above bring so much to the movie. Banderas is magnificent in his role as Alejandro, the new Zorro, a role he seems destined to have played. His looks, his charm, and his wit and personality all make this Zorro one of the finest ever. Hopkins brings his usual presence to the movie, establishing his character as one of immense wit and intelligence, while also possessing a vast knowledge of the art of fighting. Catherine Zeta-Jones sparkles in her role as Elena, de la Vega's daughter, and the chemistry between she and Banderas is dazzling and intense. Stuart Wilson and Matt Matt Letscher play our enemies, and they do so with performances to match those of the heroes. "The Mask of Zorro" is one big piece of fun that works on many different levels. Some will find pleasure in watching the actors work with the material, some will find intrigue in watching the romance unfold, while the action and adventure will most likely be the most influential factor that wins over the audience. It never stops moving, and keeps dishing out the thrills, the laughs, and the cheers.
Rating:
Summary: The epitome of swashbuckling.
Review: This movie is so much fun. It could not have been more perfectly cast. Anthony Hopkins as the elder Zorro has just the right amount of suaveness layered over a quiet but intense desire for revenge. Catherine Zeta Jones makes a great traditional "spunky heroine", with enough flashy moves of her own that she's never the damsel in distress. And Antonio Banderas, ahh. Seeing this movie reminds me of why I was a fan of his after so many of his other movies did their best to put me off him. If you'd only seen "Two Much" and "Ballistic: Ecks Vs Sever", you'd wash your hands of him forever. Which is perhaps what the entertainment industry has done. How else to explain how such a charming, charismatic actor gets so few good roles? Is it just his Spanish accent getting in the way? If so, what a pity. As the younger Zorro, he displays all his talents: He starts off as a bumbling bandit, so unkempt you can practically see the fleas on him. His transformation is a wonderful thing to behold. Step by step, he becomes the dashing swordsman, both in appearance and bearing. Every look of his eyes, every flick of his hand is just right. He has amazing acting instincts. Another thing I like about this movie is the pacing. It takes its time setting up the story so you get a good background. By the time the bandits appear, you already care about them, because you've met them as children in a previous scene. At the same time though, there's never an instance where I felt the movie was moving too slowly, even with all the backstory.
Rating:
Summary: Good Entertainment
Review: This movie was a surprise to me. The story from beginning to end, if not perfect, was very close to it. And NO SEX scenes. Yes, Zorro undressed Elena with his sword. BUT NO NUDITY, NO SEX. Only a good movie do this. Each scene has a different flavor: Children; abused overworked "slaves"; horse with attitude; the original Zorro is sophisticated with wits; the new Zorro from bandit to student to fighter to dancer to hero to father; a beautiful female protagonist with a brain and courage to challenge; and two villians who deserved to die. Fight scenes did not insult my eyes. Acrobatics were well placed, fencing moves were fast. The strikes, blocks and parries are all there. And other than swords, all other objects were well used as weapons. Elizabeth Zeta Jones did a good fencing, and dancing routine. The moments she and Banderas together were unforgetable. Anthony Hopkins did it again: His graceful and subtle movements; His commanding aura. and an ending that audiences expected. And did I mention humor was included? This is entertainment. Strange scenes: the opening scene, felt like a James Bond introduction except with a sword instead of a gun. Robin Hood? No, Zorro has more graceful moves and is a fighter. Felt more like Musketeers from the circus with some Bruce Lee moves.
Rating:
Summary: Is it just me or is Antonio Banderas really cool?
Review: Indiana Jones meets the Three Musketeers meets Robin Hood. This movie was wonderful. Anthony Hopkins did a wonderful job as the original Zorro. At the beginning of the movie, arch nemesis takes all and Zorro is left with nothing. After escaping prison years later, he plans his revenge. Enter Antonio Banderas. Old Zorro trains Antonio's character into the all new and all hot Zorro. Planning to use him as a tool in revenge, he discovers that Antonio/Zorro also has a revenge in mind. He wants to kill the man who 'keeled' his brother. In another plot twist, Anthony/Zorro's daughter has been raised as the daughter of his mortal enemy. And she's hot. Of course, she and Antonio/Zorro must meet. Every Robin Hood needs his Maid Marrian. This movie is fun, funny, and full of some really cool sword fighting scenes. There is this really gross part where you see someone's head and hands in some jars, but it's over quickly.
I would totally recommend this movie to anyone who likes action/adventure with a little romance.
Rating:
Summary: Why can't Hollywood make more movies of this calibre?
Review: This movie follows a long and distinguished line of "Zorro" movies, which started with Douglas Fairbank's excellent silent sagas. Fortunately, "The Mask of Zorro" hasn't "screwed-up" the genre, and in my opinion, is the "crowning jewel" of the line. It's a shame that many movie "reviewers" pooh-poohed Catharine Zeta-Jones' portrayal of the heroine "because she wasn't spanish". Explain, then, ANTHONY HOPKINS in the title role? he certainly isn't spanish, yet he did an EXCELLENT JOB as Zorro as did Ms. Zeta-Jones in her role. For the record, she makes this All-American Male's heart "go pitter-pat" whenever I view this movie. I certainly hope her future movie roles are as good as the one in this movie. Anthony Banderas portrayal of a "redeemed" bad guy was EXCELLENT! I especially enjoyed his homage to Fairbank's Zorro in his "acting job" at the bad guys' banquet table (complaining about "being tired", etc.). He also has good comedic range and expressiveness. Many of todays 'actors" could learn something from this young newcomer! The soundtrack is TOP-NOTCH! I remember my wife remarking how she "heard things" on my Home Theater system that she missed in the theater. My hat's off to the sound crew for an excellent job! In conclusion, this movie is a WELCOME RELIEF from the usual mindless dreck currently produced in Hollywood these days. My whole family, including my pre-teen children, thoroughly enjoy this movie, and I would not hesitate to recommend it for "general family fare". By the way: the GOOD GUYS win, just like they always used to do....
Rating:
Summary: ZORRO MEETS ZETA JONES
Review: THE MASK OF ZORRO is a rousiing, energetic, exciting romantic swashbuckler movie, reminiscent of all those great Fairbanks and Flynn movies.
Antonio Banderas is a perfect Zorro, starting off rude and crude, ending up flamboyant and gallant. His injection of humor and the way he rolls his eyes is a definite good addition to his role.
The ever amazing Anthony Hopkins shines in his role as the first Zorro, whose life is ruined when his wife is killed and his daughter taken away from him by his cruel enemy. It's rare to see an action hero over the 50 year mark!
Catherine Zeta-Jones is breathtakingly beautiful and is wonderful in her role as Hopkins daughter, feisty, yet adolescent in her yearnings for the masked man.
Stuart Wilson is vile and irreprehensible as Don Metero, the head villain, and he plays it to the hilt.
Matt Leschler as the Captain is even worse, his dashing good looks hiding a psychotic imbalance.
The whole movie is superb; James Horner's overlooked Oscar score is beautiful, including the closing credits duet by Tina Arena and Marc Antony of "I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You."
This is a fun, enjoyable and uplifting kind of movie. ENJOY!
Rating:
Summary: PLEASE MAKE THE SEQUAL
Review: the minute i first saw this movie i loved every scene of it and i haven't stopped watching it since then, i can hardly wait for the sequal to come in theaters
Rating: 
Summary: Great Adventure Movie
Review: This sucessful rendition of Zorro`s story is a truly convincing and engaging blockbuster, showing the best qualities so rarely seen in action-adventure movies nowadays. Martin Campbell treats the material with care and respect, never dumbing it down into utterly childish stuff and creating an acessible, enrergetic entertainment that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Antonio Banderas plays a credible Zorro, Catherine Zeta-Jones shines as his love interest and Anthony Hopkins is a menacing and adequate antagonist. The action sequences are well-done, being suspenseful and exciting enough and not too forced, overlong or tiresome. The script is simple but well-written, and given that the movie is convincing as a whole one can forgive some predictable moments.
So, this is a fun, solid picture, a good blockbuster that rises above most examples of the genre. Consistent entertainment.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie, great DvD package
Review: First I'll talk on the film itself. IT's an extreme entertainment. It has the honor of old fashioned films, and it does junk up on Digital effects like so many other action films do. It brilliantly combines acting touches, comedy, swashbuckling, chemistry, explosions, revenge, romance and high adventure to make a supremely entertaining film that can stand up to inumerable viewing. A sequel is in the works, with the same director and cast. If it gets made, I'll be very happy. Now I'll write on the edition. Superbit is always brilliant. Every single package they offer has the very best picture and sound. This edition is no different. But the problem with superbit is it's lack of special features. This two disc edition compensates with a whole disc of bonuses. Magnificent. Completely worth the money.
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