The Legend of Zorro
reviewed by by Jane Louise Boursaw
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MPAA Rating: |
Star Rating: |
| 8+ |
PG |
*** |
 It's 1850, and after fighting to help California become the 31st state, Zorro (Antonio Banderas) has promised his wife, Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones), that he'd give up his secret identity and go back to living as Alejandro de la Vega. Nothing would make her happier, since the legendary initial-carving hero barely knows his 10-year-old son, Joaquin, who knows nothing of his father's secret identity.
But of course, that white-picket-fence life just isn't meant to be. Zorro has second thoughts when an old villain threatens to unleash a threat that's been years in the making. Elena gets into the act, as well, and shows off her formidable sword-fighting skills to help her husband fight injustice.
PRE-SCHOOLER (ages 2-5): This movie has too much action and romance for preschoolers. But if they like that sword-fighting era, pop in the fun 2004 direct-to-video movie: "Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers".
GRADE-SCHOOLER (ages 6-10): While the fast action might be too much for younger grade-schoolers, those 8 and up will likely enjoy the sword-fighting and chase scenes. There's less violence than the PG-13 rated "Mask of Zorro" (1998), and more emphasis on family.
TWEEN/TEEN (ages 11+): Girls will swoon over Antonio Bandaras, and guys will love the action. And how awesome to see a strong woman assert her independence and fight injustice alongside her husband. You go, girl!
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