I Watch Films: The Legend Of Zorro (2005)

 

The Legend Of Zorro (2005)

It’s 1850 and California is voting to join the United States. McGivens tries to steal some ballots but masked hero Zorro (Antonio Banderas) gets them back, briefly losing his mask in the process. Back at home his wife Elena wants him to stop being Zorro now they’re in the US, but he wants to continue; after a blazing argument he leaves. Unfortunately two Pinkerton agents spotted who he was under the mask and blackmail Elena into splitting up with her husband and working for them.

Don Alejandro (Zorro) doesn’t know this, falls apart, eventually is encouraged by his friend Father Felipe to attend Count Armand’s party at his new vineyard. Elena is acting as hostess; Alejandro has an ugly confrontation and when leaving sees a mysterious explosion.

Frankly the plot gets confused from here. McGivens is trying to force people off land. Elena and Alejandro’s son idolises Zorro, gets involved with the bad guys. There’s a secret society, The Knights Of Aragon with their motto orbis unum, one world. They’ve secretly dominated Europe and now see the United States as a threat. The stunts and fights remain okay, the kid is annoying, the split between the romantic pair frustrating. It’s like the first film they made of this, but with all the best parts removed! So no Anthony Hopkins.

Watch This: Some swashbuckling action, a couple of good villains
Don’t Watch This: Incoherent plot and the main characters have lost their spark