The 1990's ultimately became a decade of great filmmaking innovation. From the advent of blockbuster digital technology in Terminator 2, to the ingenious storytelling resources contained within The Blair Witch Project, the past decade was replete with films that continentally pushed the cinematic envelope. It is a shame, then, that the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences did not progress alongside the very artists they sought to honor. Although critical outrage over Oscar oversights has been around since the inception of the MPAAS, never has the organization appeared more dunderheaded than in the 1990's. In the specific realm of Best Supporting Actor, the glaring omissions have proven tragic indeed. The should-have-been roll call is as follows: Ben Kinglsey, unforgettable as the emotional anchor of Schindler's List; Jeff Daniels, whose remarkably touching performance was at the very heart of Pleasantville; Wes Studi, who perfectly realized the best screen villain since Darth Vader, in "Last of the Mohicans"; and Mathew Letscher, in a grandly masterful performance as Captain Love in The Mask of Zorro.
Simply the best screen adventure since Raiders of the Lost Ark, Martin Campbell's triumphant The Mask of Zorro re-introduced the dashing swashbuckler hero to a new generation of filmgoers. It's a rousing, satisfying action film with a perfect cast, grand stunts, and technical imagination to spare.
Anthony Hopkins is wonderful as Don Diego de la Vega, an aging Zorro looking to avenge the death of his wife at the hands of the savagely cruel Don Rafeal Montero (Stuart Wilson). Enter one Alejandro Murrieta (Antonio Banderas - the world's greatest Zorro), a well-minded criminal seeking justice for the brutal death of his brother. The two men reluctantly join forces and the old Zorro begins to train his replacement about how to be a true hero of the people.
One cannot stress hard enough how wonderful Mathew Letscher is as Captain Harrison Love. Ostensibly a villainous sidekick to the corrupt Montero, Captain Love is actually one of the most unforgettable antagonists ever to do battle on the silver screen. He's ruthless, charming, intelligent, and capable. The sequence where Love offers Alejandro a drink from a water jar filled with his brother's head is tremendously sadistic, but Letscher comes across as someone who is engaging in a normal business transaction. Letscher `s indifference to the moment is all the more frightening because of the soldier's dedication set forth behind that cold stare. It's a wonderfully layered performance.
After years of struggling for recognition in films such as Splitting Heirs and The Phantom, Catherine Zeta-Jones finally found stardom with The Mask of Zorro. The portrayal of Elena Montero certainly takes advantage of the actresses' incredible beauty, but this character is also highly intelligent, and most capable of defending herself. A beautifully written dialogue exchange between Elena and Diego in a stable is actually the highlight of the film, and is a prime example of how good of an actress Catherine Zeta-Jones truly is.
Of course no film calling itself The Mask of Zorro can be content to merely feature wonderful performances, so the filmmakers surpassed all expectations with the swordplay and stunt work that populate the film's numerous action sequences. The thrilling horse ride and climactic mine battle are but two of the film's many highlights, with James Horner's rousing score an effective accompaniment.
Showing the world that grand adventure ultimately must stem from powerful and interesting characters, director Martin Campbell fashioned a film that is not only in an instant classic, but proved that heroes never die - they just get better with age.
--Yim Kip
The Official Mask Of Zorro Web Site
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Banderas is great
by Chris
RATING: ***
He is so dramatic when he acts. I can never stop laughing. Antonio is (hands down) the best entertainer in hollywood today.
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It's worth your time
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Catherine Zeta-Jones is a GODDESS!!!
by
RATING: ****
Catherine Zeta-Jones is so damn HOT! I can't take it.
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It's Catherine Zeta-Jones you have to see it
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