'The legend of Zorro' posts P28.2 M RP opening weekend

Columbia Pictures' epic action-adventure "The Legend of Zorro" gallops to a record-breaking opening weekend as it grosses a zooming P28.2 million nationwide from Oct. 26-31, this was announced by Victor R. Cabrera, general manager of Columbia, which distributed the film.

The opening figure represents Columbia's biggest debut for the year, breaking the record previously set by "Stealth" last July. "Legend of Zorro's" first five-day gross in Mega Manila tallies at P21 million, while key cities post P7.2-million (including Cebu, Davao and Baguio).

The cinemas which registered the biggest receipts are Glorietta 1 & 4 (P1.77 million), SM North EDSA (P1.5 million), SM Megamall (P1.4 million), Power Plant Mall (P1.05 million) and Greenbelt III (P1.03 million). They are followed by Gateway Cineplex (P1.02-M), Robinson's Manila (P940,528), SM Manila (P727,663), Alabang Town Center (P696,715) and Robinson's Galleria (P661,236).

"Legend" is the highly anticipated sequel to the $250-million hit "The Mask of Zorro." Original stars Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones reunite with director Martin Campbell in this action-packed escapade set in the California territory in the critical days preceding statehood.

"The Legend of Zorro" is set several years after the conclusion of the previous adventure. Alejandro (Banderas) and Elena (Zeta-Jones) are married and have a 10-year-old son, Joaquin (Adrian Alonso). Though Alejandro continues to don the mask of Zorro to protect the poor and oppressed residents of the California territory from the greed of the overlords, he is torn between his duty and his desire for a more normal life.

Now, he must face that conflict again head-on when plans for California to become the 31st state are undermined by a nefarious plot by several prominent land barons and businessmen. In his valiant attempt to foil their plans, Zorro runs headlong into a crisis that threatens his life and the safety of his family.

"The Legend of Zorro" is still playing in theaters across the Philippines.