The Phantom Details

NOT AS BAD AS SOME SAY

This is not a bad film. Sure it's not fantastic but it's not terrible either. Billy Zane may look ridiculous in the costume but the film compensates with a decent story and an ' Indiana Jones'-ish action sequence at the start. The film often rings like a Saturday morning serial and it is good fun. The main baddie is pretty fun etc the film is just good fun. Catherine Zeta Jones is a vilainess converted by money. The ending is a canny set up for a sequel too. **

This film has taken so much from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" it's criminal! However, if, like me, you loved all the "Indy" films, then you will not mind too much. The plot of the film doesn't really make much sense, something about a villain stealing magic skulls so that he can "rule the world" etc, but it's executed in such a fun, action way that the lack of a coherent story can be forgiven. Some good stunts, an early appearance by Catherine Zeta Jones and the rather gorgeous Billy Zane as the titular hero (made unfortunately to wear a silly purple suit but nevertheless looking particularly appealing), make this film altogether fun family viewing.