i have to admit that i actually bought this movie. i am a big fan of dumas books, particularly his exploration of 17th century France and the illustrious band of musketeers. when i saw the commercials i was exstatic, because the sword play looked fantastic.
having now seen the film, i can say that the fencing is its only redeeming quality. the sword play is fantastic - particularly the bar room barrel scene and the final showdown. the battles are fast, furious, and exciting. Unfortunately, however they are few and far between. In fact, there are only two in the entire film. Also important to note, the enjoyment of these scenes are marred by the poor lighting. While the battles are gripping they also leave the audience wanting - for a better glimpse of the action.
The costuming and the attention to grime is noteworthy. it paints a realistic picture of France - not the overly romanticized scenes and backdrops seen in other musketeer films (disney's 3 musketeers, and iron mask).
Aside from the costuming and sword play, the movie is horrible. The lines are delivered poorly as if someone were whispering on the side, "you talk now." The musketeers were drunkards - and not those that those who follow the genre have grown to love. the musketeer story in fact, might as well have been thrown out - for it resembles nothing of dumas's original tale, save the blue frocks and silver crosses.
if you see it, see it for the action, and then go, knowing it will be hard to see.
having now seen the film, i can say that the fencing is its only redeeming quality. the sword play is fantastic - particularly the bar room barrel scene and the final showdown. the battles are fast, furious, and exciting. Unfortunately, however they are few and far between. In fact, there are only two in the entire film. Also important to note, the enjoyment of these scenes are marred by the poor lighting. While the battles are gripping they also leave the audience wanting - for a better glimpse of the action.
The costuming and the attention to grime is noteworthy. it paints a realistic picture of France - not the overly romanticized scenes and backdrops seen in other musketeer films (disney's 3 musketeers, and iron mask).
Aside from the costuming and sword play, the movie is horrible. The lines are delivered poorly as if someone were whispering on the side, "you talk now." The musketeers were drunkards - and not those that those who follow the genre have grown to love. the musketeer story in fact, might as well have been thrown out - for it resembles nothing of dumas's original tale, save the blue frocks and silver crosses.
if you see it, see it for the action, and then go, knowing it will be hard to see.