The Phantom originated with a comic strip in 1936. He is a superhero without super powers, surrounded by myths and mysticism. This film preserves the comic strip feel of the original hero, much like the TV series of Batman that featured Adam West. Billy Zane, who portrays The Phamtom, even sounds like Adam West when he talks.
Many of the characters feel like they come from "Raiders of the Lost Ark". The action borders on silliness, as if punches should be accompanied by bubbles saying "POW!" or "BAM!" a la "Batman".
The Phantom is called "the ghost who walks", but much of the time he rides his horse called Hero, accompanied by his wolf named Devil. Most of the characters are clichéd caricatures.
The action takes place just before WWII and the non-jungle scenes capture that era effectively. The scenery and the design aspects of the film, including the fashions, are the best part of the film.
Kristy Swanson plays the part of Diana Palmer, love interest to the main character. There is no chemistry between them. Catherine Zeta-Jones plays Sala, the bad girl accomplice of the villains-a small part that allows her to shine briefly. Treat Williams plays Xander Drax, the villain, with true comic-strip smarminess and relish.
Had they modernized The Phantom as was done with later Batman films, it might have been more successful. The "Agent Carter" TV series is an example of doing it right. This film lacked the humor that might have sold its tongue-in-cheek approach.
Many of the characters feel like they come from "Raiders of the Lost Ark". The action borders on silliness, as if punches should be accompanied by bubbles saying "POW!" or "BAM!" a la "Batman".
The Phantom is called "the ghost who walks", but much of the time he rides his horse called Hero, accompanied by his wolf named Devil. Most of the characters are clichéd caricatures.
The action takes place just before WWII and the non-jungle scenes capture that era effectively. The scenery and the design aspects of the film, including the fashions, are the best part of the film.
Kristy Swanson plays the part of Diana Palmer, love interest to the main character. There is no chemistry between them. Catherine Zeta-Jones plays Sala, the bad girl accomplice of the villains-a small part that allows her to shine briefly. Treat Williams plays Xander Drax, the villain, with true comic-strip smarminess and relish.
Had they modernized The Phantom as was done with later Batman films, it might have been more successful. The "Agent Carter" TV series is an example of doing it right. This film lacked the humor that might have sold its tongue-in-cheek approach.