The Legend of Zorro (2005)

When you are tired and the weather is not good, the traffic is bad and you're in a balmy mood, you can go lock yourself in your room or go out and watch a cheesy, romantic, swashbuckling family fun adventure. The choice is yours. As for myself I opted for the latter.

The plot: California wanted to join Old Abe's Union but some old gringoes did not want to lose their colony to a Federate Republic. A ballot-snatcher was sent to steal the votes and prevent Californians from achieving independence. The bell was tolled. Zorro came to the rescue. Zorro would have retired by that time but the call of heroism was too strong to resist.

He and wife Elena had an argument that ended in their divorce. Meanwhile an arrogant Spanish count, Armand, bought a huge tract of land to be converted into a "vineyard." Elena, who was three months separated from her beau, learned of the evil scheme of Armand and tried to learn as much as she could to stop it.

Don Alejandro dela Vega, the spurned husband, grew despondent every day. He even failed to rescue his friend Guillermo from bandits that raided the latter's home. Utterly dejected, he went to the church and confronted the Blessed Virgin. His prayer at the church is one of the most beautiful we can ever hear uttered by a superhero:

"I'm used to listening to my heart, but it's now speaking to me in darkness. Please grant me light and courage that I may learn what you want me to do. " (or something to that effect, can't find as of the moment the exact text but I vow I will!).

Meanwhile, the precocious and young trouble-maker Joaquin grew more and more distant from his dad, whom he believed was incapable of being a good father and husband to his mother. Between the call of duty and the role of being a family man, Zorro rode his ever faithful horse and rose to the occasion. What follows was an astonishing fight and love scenes that would surely delight people of all ages.

But personally, for me, the first Zorro (The Mask of Zorro), was better. Still this new Zorro kicked some butt.

Hephep! Hurray!