Back in 1996, a fantastic superhero film that wasn’t Marvel or DC was released starring the great Billy Zane. Sure, one year later he would play a dashing villain in the hugely successful Titanic, but for this, he played the dashing hero in The Phantom.
The Phantom is based on the character of the same name in the comic strips dating back to 1936, created by Lee Falk. In a way, The Phantom is almost a father to superheroes as we know it; having been the first to wear a skintight costume, and having a mask with white eyes. The comic went through many publishers that included both DC and Marvel, but neither had a hand in the film.
To give you the rundown on the character: Christopher Walker, a British sailor witnessed his father’s murder by pirates in 1536 and barely escaped the ship, washing ashore on a remote island, and was taken in by a tribe. He received the Skull Ring, and swore an oath to resist vice and enforce virtue, and became the Phantom. The identity was then passed down from generation to generation, gaining a reputation as “The Ghost Who Walks”, believed to be an immortal.
The film follows the current Phantom, Kit Walker, portrayed by the one and only Billy Zane. It’s a very pulpy movie and plays to Zane’s natural charisma and dashing smile.
If you were expecting a review, I’m happy to disappoint you — to say that you should just watch it if you never have. It’s fun and charming, And who didn’t want the ring back in the 90s? Okay, maybe I’m projecting, but I digress. The film is a legitimate good time.
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