The Three Musketeers
Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson
Starring: Matthew Macfadyen, Milla Jovovich,
Luke Evans, Ray Stevenson, Logan Lerman,
Orlando Bloom, Freddie Fox, and Christoph Waltz
Released in theaters October 21, 2011
Rated PG-13 for sequences of adventure action violence
My Rating: ★★★★☆
This movie is loosely based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas. The hot-headed D’Artagnan (Logan Lerman) heads to Paris in hopes of becoming a Musketeer like his father, only to learn the group has been disbanded. Through a little humorous fate, he manages to bring them all back together in order to save the kingdoms of France and England from going to war. Will they succeed? Only time and probably a sequel will tell.
Where to start… On one hand, I am a bit disappointed. I think this movie could have been a little more in the Sherlock Holmes direction. There was just a spark of something missing here, maybe something darker. It didn’t hold my attention quite like I felt it should have. On the other hand, it was good fun. Most of the characters were delightfully quirky, especially King Louis. Matthew Macfadyen is a favorite of mine, and he brought something interesting to Athos. Each of the Musketeers actually shined in their own way, even D’Artagnan with that hideous hair. Christoph Waltz was a perfect Richelieu; he is just so good at being so bad!
The plot is simple and straightforward, which means predictable, but that’s okay because it is so much fun! There are some interesting twists and contraptions involved and some pretty entertaining action scenes. The scenery and cinematography is really beautiful.
There’s a little bit of everything except a lot of drama. It’s fast paced, so you’re not getting bogged down with deep, emotional scenes. There’s definitely action and adventure with an enjoyable sprinkling of comedy and romance mixed in.
Is this one to own? Probably. It at least made for a relaxing Sunday evening with the family.
