The Legend of Zorro

The long-awaited sequel to 1998's The Mask of Zorro reunites Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones in a similarly exciting tale of derring-do in Old California set some years later. As the story opens, Alejandro de la Vega (Banderas) and his beloved Elena (Zeta-Jones) are now the parents of a spirited young son (Adrian Alonso) who has no idea that his papa is the masked champion of the area's downtrodden. In fact, Alejandro's refusal to hang up his mask have become a sore point with Elena, who feels he is neglecting the boy and threatens to divorce him. But now there's a greater need than ever for Zorro, as some unknown malefactor has mounted a campaign to prevent California from joining the United States—and it just might be Armand (Rufus Sewell), a French nobleman with eyes for the recently separated Senora de le Vega. Returning director Martin Campbell still has a flair for melodramatic, swashbuckling adventure, maintaining the same level of production opulence here, while also ratcheting up the scale and speed of the action. Unfortunately, The Legend of Zorro also seriously stretches the boundaries of plausibility. Still, as a rousing spectacle likely to delight Zorro fans of all ages, this is a strong optional purchase. [Note: Available in either widescreen or full screen versions, DVD extras include audio commentary by director Martin Campbell and cinematographer Phil Meheux; featurettes on “Stunts” (10 min.), “Playing with Trains” (13 min.), “Armand's Party” (12 min.), and “Visual Effects” (6 min.); four deleted scenes with optional director commentary (11 min.); two multi-angle sequences (4 min.); and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a credibility-straining sequel.] (E. Hulse)