The Phantom
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Movie Reviews of The Phantom
Movie Review: Decent comic book, just not a great movie to me.
Summary: 4 Stars
First of all, don't pay to much for this movie, or just rent it. I would have given this a three for myself personally, but I feel that is probably a little harsh. The acting stinks in this film, but the action makes up more than enough for this. Some of the fight scenes have some pretty terrible pulled punches, but the story is a pretty tight story. This is a good movie to just sit down, pop some popcorn and watch on a cool rainy autum night when you don't want to do much. Not hard to follow, and as always, a happy ending. Also This is the first real superhero character that I have seen that uses guns, so he looses his mystique to me. I would have been just as happy if he used a whip, throwing stars, or something else manual, not a gun. Only comic book characters like the punisher who is very mortal and seeking vengence should use guns, but not this migical, strong, mysterious hero who is supposed to come from a jungle background. Sure he was educated in New York, but it doesn't mean he has to use the City ways. Other than that, good time killer, descent enough for 8-10 year olds to watch (not much blood/gore or swearing). I havn't figured out why they rate this PG-13, more likely PG. Movie Review: Excellent Action Film. Too Violent For Younger Children, But An Enjoyable Popcorn Summer Flick. Recommended.
Summary: 5 Stars
Released the same year as "William Shakespeare's Hamlet," this film version of the popular comic strip (which I admit, I never read, though I was highly interested after viewing the movie and a few episodes of "Phantom 2040") is action-packed and has all the elements of a great popcorn flick without the sexual content, profanity and violence which permeate a lot of today's movies (I'm no prude, though). Billy Zane, in a rare turn as a good guy (for more of him as a good guy, see him in Franc Roddam's excellent made-for-TV version of "CLEOPATRA," the star-
studded actioneer "Tombstone," the made-for-TV mini-series "Dean Koontz' Sole Survivor") stars as the titular hero, doing his own stunts. He's assisted by Kristy Swanson ("Flowers In The Attic," "Buffy The Vampire Slayer) as his love interest, Catherine Zeta-Jones ("The Mask Of Zorro," "Entrapment") as a woman who may-or may not-be working for the good guys and Treat Williams ("The Pirates Of Penzance") as baddie Xander Drax. Plenty of action to keep older kids entertained. Too violent for younger children, though. Rated PG for some action violence and mild language.
Movie Review: A Wonderful Adventure Tale
Summary: 4 Stars
It doesn't surprise me that "The Phantom" failed at the box office. It lacked the star power of other films of that time, relied on the name recognition of a hero who isn't as flashy as Batman, Spiderman, or a multitude of other characters, and, honestly, it wasn't summer blockbuster material. Perhaps if it came out in the dead of winter when most studios toss out their artsy flicks hoping for Oscar recognition, it would have done better.
With that said, I have to admit that "The Phantom" is a wonderful flick to watch. Granted, it doesn't have flying heroes or webslingers, but it does have a wonderful story to it in the classic vein of those old 1930's cliffhangers. Billy Zane is game as Kit Walker/Phantom. He has that classic Hollywood look to him that makes him perfect for the role. Kristy Swanson (the original Buffy) does a wonderful job as Diane Palmer, the damsel in not-so-much-distress. Catherine Zeta Jones, James Remar, and the underrated Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa head up a stellar supporting cast. The real "treat" here, however, is Treat Williams as Xander Drax, the evil mastermind behind all of the Phantom's problems in this film. He's completely over the top, delivering smug lines like, "Show me the power!" with enough cinematic flair that you can't help but love his devilish character.
The story involves the search for three skulls: one of bronze, one of jade, and one of gold, that will give their owner ultimate power. Drax, being the power-hungry man that he is, is on the hunt for these three skulls. The only things in his way are the Sang Brotherhood, who are responsible for creating the Phantom many centuries ago, and the Phantom himself. The tale bounces from the lush jungles of Africa (but actually Australia and the backlots of California) to the mean streets of 1930's New York City, and then to the dreaded Devil's Vortex. It's full of swashbuckling, gunplay, high adventure, and a few explosions.
The cinematography is brilliant, capturing the beauty of the Australian locations it was filmed on. The blues and greens fill the TV screen wonderfully, and the vibrant purple of Phantom's suit supplies a wonderful contrast to the deep greens and browns of the jungles.
Overall, there isn't too much that's offensive in this flick for youngsters. The language does get a little bit strong for the younger lot, but if you let your kids watch recent the recent PG-13 hero flicks, I'm sure they can handle this one. There is quite a bit of violence, including a couple of impalings, but all of it is done in a way that is no worse than most other superhero films.
I highly recommend this flick to fans of films like "The Shadow" and "The Rocketeer," as well as most other superhero flicks. It might take awhile to get beyond the VERY purple outfit that our hero wears in this flick, but it's all played out with great intentions and a nod to the classic cliffhangers from long ago.
Movie Review: Lovin it!
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is a classic - Have watched it many times & I still love it.Movie Review: "Devil, Somebody Needs Us" ~ The Ghost Who Walks Comes To The Big Apple
Summary: 5 Stars
'The Phantom' released in '96 is my all-time favorite comic book superhero film. Billy Zane is perfect as the Phantom as is just about everything else in this movie. This is not a special effects extravaganza like most movies of this genre though it has a few. It does however have everything a good movie should have, strong script with cohesive storyline, great cinematography, excellent ensemble cast and a hero you'll love to cheer for!
Cast includes; Treat Williams, Kristy Swanson, Catherine Zeta Jones and Patrick McGowan.
I wish they had made a sequel. My Highest Recommendation!