The Phantom (Billy Zane), descendant of a line of African heroes, travels to New York to thwart a criminal genius (Treat Williams).

A great cast, lead by Billy Zane, with Joe Dante producing (and almost directing). Could Bruce Campbell in the lead have made this film better? Hard to say. (I love Zane, but I have to admit he mumbles quite a bit through this film.)

What I find most striking about this movie is that it has received a terrible reputation on IMDb (ranking below 5 of 10 stars), but managed to pull a 3.5 of 4 stars from Roger Ebert. Wow. Has Ebert ever been more off the mark from the common viewer? I, for one, liked it and found it a visually appealing adventure film. I especially appreciate the setting of 1930s New York, a wonderful backdrop for a crime story. I must confess I never read the comic strip, so the accuracy is something I cannot attest to. But I would have gladly welcomed a sequel, rather than have Zane go on to make "Titanic".

Thrilling and fun picture loosely based on Lee Falk's first stories from The Phantom comic strip , "The Singh Brotherhood" and "The Sky Band" . The story takes place in 1938/39 , just before the United States entered World War II . Our stalwart hero (Billy Zane) lives in a cave lair on the deep as well as dangerous Bengalla jungle with his wolf-dog and a servant . He discovers his destiny and 400 years old legacy when his mysterious late father (Patrick McGoohan) tells him that he must carry on his legacy as a superhero called The Panthom , the Ghost who walks , a seemingly immortal crime fighter and descendant of a line of African heroes . The Skull is a dominate symbol in The Phantom's life , as he lives in the Skull Cave, he wears the Skull Ring, and he is trying to find three Skulls . A purple suit renders a mask and belt and he finds himself battling his dad's nemesis (James Remar) . Meanwhile , the bad guy Xander Drax carries out his search for a weapon of doom . Phantom is helped by an attractive journalist heiress (Kristy Swanson) and travel to dangerous streets N.Y. to thwart a nasty criminal . They confront a villain named Drax (Treat Williams) , underlings (Catherine Zeta Jones as a beautiful vamp) and other allied with local power : the Mayor (Leon Russom) and Police commissioner (Al Ruscio) . Drax is a cold and megalomaniac killer who murders cruelty his victims (as the horrifying killing with microscope on his first victim calling him : Liar), he is looking for three sacred skulls of Tuganda which united create a rousing energy , originating a supernatural power ; besides , involving brotherhood Syn pirates (led by Cary Tagawa).

Film gets exotic locations , derring-do , adventures , rip-roaring , action-packed and humor with tongue-in-cheek . It's a cinematic roller coaster , pretty entertaining and with very well made action set pieces . The picture is a crossover among Lee Falk (created in 1936) comic-strip hero , Indiana Jones feats , Saturday matinée serials and old-fashioned thirties movies . Nice acting from Billy Zane and Catherine Zeta-Jones , both of whom starred in two Titanic films . The picture has great loads of action , special effects abundant and spectacular David Newman's musical score . The motion picture was rightly directed by Simon Wincer . Although Joe Dante was originally slated to direct, but left due to other commitments ; before this , Joel Schumacher was considered for the directing job . This movie was originally going to be the first of a trilogy . However , after it bombed at the box office, the two sequels were canceled . The flick will appeal to adventure fans and comic-books enthusiastic . Rating : Good and amusing . Well worth seeing.