Abe Froman
Director Martin Campbell has always managed to squeeze the life out of the films he makes. Good productions like "No Escape" and "Goldeneye" were ruined by his leaden touch. Although not a bad film, he seems to have made the action filled, highly anticipated "Zorro" into a minor letdown.
I don't blame the wonderful cast at all. I'm in the minority when it comes to Anthony Hopkins's acting, I've always found him to be a bit of a bore. In this film he shines. He plays the role of the older Zorro with a ferocity that has never shone in him before. It's always good to see the dynamic Banderas on screen. He takes the role of Zorro and makes a true hero out of him. You gotta love the energy level Banderas plays at in every film he makes. The beautiful Catherine Zeta Jones completes the trio with a lusty and romantic performance. Her sensual sword fight with Zorro is the film's highlight.
Still, all the acting in the world cannot save the film from taking FOREVER to get going. Banderas doesn't even get into the Zorro character until close to the end of the picture. Good action scenes, vibrant cinematography, and delicious costumes cannot help a film guided by a bad storyteller.
