|
|
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
|
|
HOLLYWOOD THE THREE MUSKETEERS
EDITOR'S PICK
Rating: ***
What would you want from a film made
on a story that is ripe with action? Obviously, more action and perhaps wit. In
those departments the 3D musketeers don`t disappoint. But if you thought that
action is not just what happens on screen, but also the political intrigue that
goes on, this one disappoints, despite the story being rife with it.
Once the stars of France, the musketeers have all been disbanded. Three of them,
Arthos, Porthos and Aramis, however, forget that courage and bravery is no
longer in fashion.
Joined by a foolish and hot-headed aspiring musketeer, D`Artagnan, they must go
on one last mission, to save France from a conspiring cardinal who wants to
engulf Europe in war.
To be fair with the film, if you are the action type, the film has plenty of
action going on screen to keep you engaged through its duration. The 3D handles
seamlessly and swordplay and the physicality of the characters are scintillating
to say the least. Yet, where the film lets down is in the story.
Yes, we all know the story. But the point is not of re-doing the same story in
new technology, or of putting in science fiction to an old story. It is also
about re-doing the story in a new form and shape enough to attract even those
who like deeper political intrigue and conspiracy.
In that sense, the character of the cardinal has been very grossly underdone. He
almost looks like a funny clownish character, rather than the dreadful man who
can push the continent into war and chaos. Instead of the cardinal, it is the
character of Milady, mixed with ruthlessness and vulnerability, played by Milla
Jovovich who manages to strike a little terror not just in the heart of the
musketeers, but also the audience.
Yet, in the first one hour, the film has enough wit to keep the pace going and
not let you notice what is wrong with it. The dialogue writing is crisp and
sharp, the editing precise and the conceptualization of the fight scenes
immaculate. It will remind you of the first of the "Pirates of the
Caribbean" series.
Director Paul. W.S. Anderson, known so far only for his sci-fi films, puts his
special effects expertise to good use. So much so that he is actually better
here than his sci-fi action films like "Resident Evil" and "AVP".
If you like only action in a film, this is your film. If, however, you demand
action and more, you`ll be disappointed.
