When watching the first Zorro film, I felt like I was watching The Three Musketeers (1993). Swords swishing, clanging, and their wielder's jumping and ducking. This sequel has that too if not more. All of this was great to watch but what made the first one better was with a helpful performance by Anthony Hopkins. With Hopkin's character being a mentor it really brought in the idea of the next Zorro to fill in the boots. Much of it was very noble and understanding. As for this film there were parts of this film that were too childish for the franchise.Antonio Banderas stars once more as Zorro, the sword-wielding revolutionary. It's a delight to see Banderas play Zorro once more because he played his part really well in the first film. Catherine Zeta-Jones also comes back for another round and this time she uses the sword just as much as Zorro did in the first one. It's nice to see some mutual cooperation when it comes to husband and wife fighting off a group of bad guys. Playing as their son is Adrian Alonso who does a good job at speaking English because before the film was made, he had no idea how to. If this film were to have a sequel I would hope to see Alonso play the upcoming Zorro. Even though he is not Banderas' son, he shows all the same qualities in the character he does Zorro and that's a good sign. But I don't think that'll happen anytime soon. The only thing I thought seemed out of place in this film was the main source of the plot. For almost two thirds of the film, Jones and Banderas argue as parents (which is normal) about their relationship with their son and the Zorro business. That part isn't normal obviously but it's like every minute the two stars meet up with each other they argue. How childish can this get? At first their son is uncontrollable and the marital relationship seemed to be diminishing and it creates a very negative tone. However, there are some parts that do have some comedy put inside of it but it's doesn't occur very often. It's like this film was destined to end with a divorce. I'm glad it didn't end that way, though it does go out with a bang, which was nice to see.As for the action, the sword fights, and on the brink of death moments are numerous if not more than the last film. The Mask of Zorro (1998) was more about discovering what Zorro was like and how he would transform into that character. This one is out of control and expanding boundaries but in good way. Action sequences vary from saving people from burning buildings, messing around with C4 explosives or swashbuckling on a runaway locomotive. Sounds intense if you ask me. The music was composed once again by James Horner who also did the first film. Horner keeps the music energetic and cultural to the story's background, which I feel is partially essential to a movie's success. Nothing sounds different from the first soundtrack, which is good, because the good things should be left untampered with.Despite the fact that for the majority of the film, Banderas and Jones argue like children, the film amounts to a decent sequel. The action is fun, and the music is enjoyable.

This sort of swashbuckling yarn was popular in the 1940s and 50s but frankly, if you've seen one sword fight, you've seen them all. In this case you've also seen a lot better. Compared even to the semi-decent 1998 prequel The Mask Of Zorro, this is mundane and uninspiring.The only thing worth mentioning here is the excellent performance of little Adrian Alonso as Zorro's son. He is a delight to watch, a little bundle of energy and sparks that just about keep the story alight.Dubious accents from the two British stars aside, this still smacks of lazy sequel syndrome, with little attempt at originality or plot. Maybe it will keep some undemanding kids entertained for an hour or so, but I wouldn't count on it.

I didn't have high hopes for this one after being severely disappointed by the 1st,but much to my surprise it managed to be quite watchable and fairly entertaining as well. It's more action orientated and while Mask Of Zorro was better made technically,I actually found The Legend Of Zorro to be a little more entertaining. This is Antonio Banderas's film and this time he thrives on the challenge,giving all of Zorro the key components he needs to be an entertaining hero,and I really think the film benefited from this. The Script does have a few minor holes..example Catharine said in the 1st she didn't care about money,yet this time she does??..it makes her character look completely pompous. The film does have a main problem though and that's Rufus Sewell. He's much too bland for a villain,and the worst thing is he does it all completely straight,so the film really sags whenever he's on screen,not to mention all the bickering between Catharine and Banders does get old after a while. The better pacing,better action sequences and overall enjoyment made me appreciate this sequel more even if the 1st was better made.The Performances. Antonio Banderas unlike the 1st he is fabulous here!. His character is much more refined now with the acting chops and a true sense of Heroisim to be the perfect Zorro.He never completely convinced me in the 1st movie,he was always charming but he never felt like an action hero,it's a much different story here.He is the heart of the film and Antonio thrives on it,the only beef I have is his chemistry with Catharine seems forced. Catherine Zeta-Jones is OK here. She just seems to be going through the motions, with an irritating character to boot. Her charisma with Anotonio is off,however it's not all her fault due to some of the script's inadequacies of her character. Adrian Alonso is a lot better then most kid actor's and pulls out a few fun scenes,but most of the time he acts with his scowl. Rufus Sewell is devoid of any charm what so ever,he's completely bland and charm free,the movie dragged when he was on screen and brought the overall quality of the movie down. Nick Chinlund is a very good character actor,here he played a very amusing henchman..loved him!. Julio Oscar Mechoso is the comic relief,but a very likable one at that,a priest surprisingly too.Bottom Line-I rather enjoyed it,it's about on par technically with the 1st,but more enjoyable if you ask me. I was quite pleased with how this sequel progressed,and unfortunately due to the box office failure this film was,I don't think will see a number 3 anytime soon. Worth the watch.6/10

The first film was very entertaining, with some well-choreographed sword fights and a witty script. The sequel while entertaining on the most part, is definitely inferior in comparison. What I did like about the sequel was the cinematography, it was very handsome like in the first film. The performances from Banderas and Zeta Jones are impressive , not so much the boy who played their son. (can't remember his name). The costumes were lovely The script wasn't too bad, but a little underdeveloped at times. I will confess I was disappointed in the sword fights, they seemed more like slapstick and a little too clumsy to my liking. The main flaw was the plot, it was a very good idea, but it felt rushed, and it felt as though the director was trying to cram too much into a simple storyline. I also wished they made the villains, played adequately by Rufus Sewell and Michael Emerson, more interesting. I liked the music by James Horner, but you do wish sometimes in the more dramatic scenes, that Hans Zimmer would have been a more appropriate choice. Overall, not bad, but doesn't hold a candle to the first film. 6/10 Bethany Cox.