The Fantastic Phantom (1996 version)

The Phantom

By: Katie Miller

There is nothing like a good old 1996, superhero VHS to warm and cheer the spirits. Its fun to laugh at the car stunts, fight scenes, and imaginary happenings of the movie. But, that’s what films are all about. Some things that are done in cinema are not possible, very unlikely, and almost unbelievable. The only difference in films from the “early” film years (60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s) and current films is they are better at tricking our minds with the help of the supernatural computer. But, things are done in film to amaze and entertain. The Phantom was created to do just that.

We are first placed into the story of the Phantom’s background and basic history. Basically, he loses his father to a band of pirates and, after being rescued, discovers his lot in life: find and destroy his father’s murderers and protect the lesser of mankind. He also disguises himself as Kit Walker, when not in his purple suite and black mask.

The Phantom (Billy Zane) is of course a “loner”. He lives in a skull-shaped cave with a friend, who is like Alfred Pennyworth, Batman’s butler. He also has a horse and a wolf who are awesome and are so well trained that they are able to obey any and every command of their master.

The Phantom is said to immortal. Many men have killed him in the past but, he is often seen by the natives, even after his murder is reported. That is why he is called the ghost that walks. This is very strange because he is a young man but has been around for around three hundred years. It is very confusing until you discover ‘the secrete’ behind the mask.

The Phantom is thrust into an important mission that has the potential to threaten the fate of the world. Three majestic skulls could plunge the world under the power and control of one man. When all three sculls are together, they hold a power unknown to mankind. At one time in the past, the scull’s power was controllable. No one knows the secret to control their power. If they are placed into the wrong hands, the world and everyone in it would be under one person’s control.

After one scull is discovered and taken by a man named Xander Drax (Treat Williams), the Phantom makes it his mission to prevent Drax from accomplishing his evil scheme of taking over the world. Unfortunately, all three sculls end up in the hands of Mr. Drax along with Phantom’s girlfriend. By the way, she doesn’t know he is the Phantom. Drax doesn’t know what power he holds with all three sculls in his possession and there is a fight to the finish between Drax and the Phantom.

Phantom’s girlfriend from college is named Diana Palmer (Kristy Swanson). She hasn’t seen him since he took off and never returned or wrote or told anyone where he was. Diana knows him as Kit Walker, she has never heard of the Phantom. He is then stuck with the decision of telling her his secret and revealing his identity or being separated from the one he truly loves forever.

The cinematography of this film was great too. The jungle scenes, the shots of the ocean, and the rocks and cliffs were absolutely majestic. But, some of the scenes looked staged, particularly the first. It’s hard to watch a movie from then and compare it to films made now. The technology improvement has made such a huge difference in the way movies are made. Scenes that would be near impossible during the time of The Phantom’s creation are made so naturally and realistic that it seems possible when watched. As a matter of fact, we don’t even think of it as impossible. But, for the technology of its time, this film will blow your socks off.

The Phantom is a very good movie that I would recommend to anyone. The storyline is good, fun, and exciting. I would like to see the movie remade with today’s improvements and technology. It has the potential to be as good or even better than Captain America: The First Avenger. Strong words, I know, but it is really that good.