The Phantom **** (1996, Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, Treat Williams, Catherine Zeta-Jones, James Remar, Patrick McGoohan, Casey Siemaszko) – Classic Movie Review 2319

Lee Falk’s Thirties comic-strip is in capable hands here in 1996 with Billy Zane donning the zany purple tights and zanier tall-hair wig as Kit Walker, alias The Phantom, The Ghost Who Walks, Avenges, Rights Wrongs and Smiles Smugly. Created in 1936, he is notable as the original superhero, the first costumed avenger of wrongs, predating both Superman and Batman.

Aussie action director Simon (Free Willy) Wincer whips up an endearing and entertaining fantasy flick, propelled by nifty stunts, a zesty pace, an authentic period atmosphere and energised acting. There’s a superb good baddie in Treat Williams, camping it up a treat as megalomaniac Xander Drax, who’s out to control the three skulls of Touganda in his quest for unbridled power.

Unusually for a laddish movie, there a decent role for a woman – Kristy Swanson – as the adventurous heroine Diana Palmer, the long-time lover of The Phantom. James Remar is incredibly evil as Drax’s henchman Quill, and Patrick McGoohan is clearly enjoyinhg himself as The Phantom’s dad. If you liked The Shadow (though admittedly hardly anyone did), you’ll love this. It is high-spirited, engaging, tongue-in-cheek fun.

Also starring are Catherine Zeta-Jones as Sala, Casey Siemaszko as Morgan, Samantha Eggar as Lily Palmer, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as The Great Kabai Sengh and Bill Smitrovich as Uncle Dave Palmer.

Also in the cast are David Proval, Joseph Ragno, Jon Tenney, Robert Coleby, Al Ruscio, Leon Russom, John Capodice, Bo Kane, William Jones and John Prosky.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2319

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