Review of The Musketeer (2001) by Mark K — 10 Oct 2010

This is another one of those 'someday someone will make a good Three Musketeers film again' situations. I have to give Peter Hyams points for trying to make this film interesting and exciting. However, it was pretty much a failure in execution. Where to start?

First of all, the deviations from the Dumas story were badly handled, and at times it began to become one of those films where they take a break from 'acting' to do some kind of fight scene. It neither looks authentic in kung fu style, nor is it particularly exciting to watch. The rest of the more traditional fighting is decent enough, but its just strung together with hammy dialogue and a meandering plot. The other musketeers are neither interesting nor helpful to D'Artagnan, (Justin Chambers) who hasn't got enough screen presence to carry the film. Mena Suvari is all forehead and no acting, and not even Catherine Deneeuve can summon much dignity out of this mess.

The look of the film is about the only thing I can say about it that positive. The costumes and sets looks pretty good, but it's a poor excuse for a film. If you're looking for some kind of diversion, and have a couple of hours to waste, this might just do it.