Don't think I'm going to pull any punches just because almost every movie I've seen this summer has really SUCKED. My enthusiasm for The Mask of Zorro would beas equally great had we been treated to a fair bill of fare.

That said, I have to say I really enjoyed Zorro. Yes, this is a period piece, and I like period pieces. Yes, this is a formula film, but it's important to know that Zorro largely created this formula. Feel like you're watching Batman? That's because Batman was based on Zorro.

All the elements are here: really nasty people in positions of power; lots of repressed peasants, and a guy running around in black during a hot summer day doing good deeds. And then there's sex! It's the return of Zorro's daughter, tangoing her way into the hearts of the good, the bad, and the audience. Toss in some Indiana Jones style stunts, and you have a popcornfest worthy of a hot summer day.

The Mark of Zorro, a great summer movie full of hugging, kissing and other violence!