DEREK RYDALL AS THE PHANTOM

Derek Rydall as the Phantom of the Mall is much younger than his predecessors. His youth is reflected in his clothing as well as his fighting style. He still wears his high school letter jacket and his mask is constructed from a mannequin’s face. This is the only Phantom you’ll see land spinning kicks. Eric’s interest is not in an operatic singer, but his girlfriend Melody. After the fire that costs him his family he flees under the mall, planning for the day when they will be reunited.

This Eric is in love with Melody, but she no longer loves him. He never really accepts this, and he is far more aggressive towards his opponent for her heart. This Phantom truly only kills those evil people he wanted revenge on, so that might be a first. He also remembers who his friends were, and doesn’t seem interested in fighting them. Overall, he is a young man with a lot to deal with first, and a Phantom second.

Kari Whitman does well in the role of Melody. She seems grateful for Eric’s help, but she no longer loves him. This is odd considering she is still in mourning early in the film. She even has hopes of meeting him when she finds flowers in her locker, so when did the love dissapear? There seems to be resentment on her part when she figures out Eric has been alive all along and has not contacted her before now. Perhaps that is why she chooses a new man over him and speaks of Eric as a former crush.

Overall, this is a wonderful movie. The idea of using a mall for the location is fresh as far as Phantom films go, and the Phantom himself is the hero of the film. The fight scenes are interesting, and have been updated for modern audiences. The theme of unrequited love is still present, although the deformity of Eric is not the cause in this case.

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