Montecristo

"The Count of Monte Cristo" (2002), a contempo back-to-basics treatment of the famous Dumas novel for new generations, spins its tale of passion and revenge with all the glory and melodrama of Hollywood's golden years. Full of lavish costuming, sumptuous sets, beautiful locations, dashing men, a gorgeous damsel, dank dungeons, the ever popular swashbuckling (whatever that is) etc., all supported with a classic story makes for 2+ hours of solid entertainment. Who could ask for more? Kick back and enjoy this fun adventure flick worth a trip to the video store. (A-)

You've just rented or bought "The Count of Monte Cristo" and enjoyed it. But guess what? It gets better! If you hadn't noticed yet (hopefully you have), this movie is based off of a famous book by Alexandre Dumas. My interest in this movie was sparked because I actually read the book beforehand. I never even knew there was a film version of it until I mentioned my love for the book to a friend who informed me of the recently released movie that she too liked. I did in fact enjoy the movie, but it disappointed me slightly. The book is very much different from the movie. The plot and list of characters were simplified to (in my opinion) make the movie easier to understand and to keep it from being 3+ hours long. If you liked the plot twists and interesting characters in this movie, I must insist you try reading the book. Sure, it's very long and intricate, but if you keep on your toes and keep all of the details in check, you will absolutely love it! You will meet other characters who play a role in Dantes' downfall and a sweet love story (involving characters that do not even exist in the movie!) will unfold. Dantes will take on other roles not seen in the movie. It is truly an incredible piece of work written so many years ago by Alexandre Dumas. Again I say, the movie was indeed good, but the book is better. Please try it!

"The Count of Monte Cristo" by Dumas is one of my favorite books, it keeps you on your toes the whole time, guessing what will happen next. The movie doesn't accomplish this as well. While the book is subtle with the Count's revenge, the movie screams for all to hear. "The Count of Monte Cristo, formerly Edmund Dantes is going to get revenge on his friends!!!" They left out 3 main characters, and DRASTICALLY changed the ending, they had to, the end involves those 3 characters they left out. But I did like the movie and if you enjoy it too I encourage you to read the book!

I think I am a bit spoiled when it came to this film, as I have seen the made for TV version of this story starring Richard Chamberlain. This and Chamberlain's other Dumas tale (THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK) were made so perfectly that I can't help but immediately compare other versions to these nearly perfect films. In light of this, I am surprised that I actually liked this new version so much. While it's hard to say which film I liked better (the Chamberlain or 2002 version), it's easy to agree that they both are wonderful films. Much of the reason I liked this newer version so much is that it was a very romantic film--much more so than the other one. In addition, it was quite polished and beautiful. In fact, for once, I have nothing to really complain about, as it's a good retelling of the story.

It's 1815. Edmond Dantès (Jim Caviezel) tries to save his captain and seeks help on the isle of Elba. The imprisoned Napoleon Bonaparte exchanges his help with a letter secret delivery. The captain dies nevertheless. Dantès returns and gets promoted to captain. He proposes to Mercedès Iguanada (Dagmara Dominczyk). Dantès' competitive jealous best friend Fernand Mondego (Guy Pearce) gets him arrested. Chief magistrate J.F. Villefort (James Frain) covers up his father's part in Napoleon's escape plan by sending Dantès to prison. Armand Dorleac (Michael Wincott) is the sadistic warden of the island prison of Château d'If. Dantès befriends prisoner Abbé Faria (Richard Harris) who educates the illiterate Dantès. Faria was in Napoleon's army who refuses to reveal the location of Count Spada's fortune. When Napoleon escapes, Villefort schemes with Mondego to keep Dantès in prison and lie to Mercedès about his execution. Faria is killed in a cave-in. Dantès escapes. He spares Jacopo (Luis Guzmán)'s life who pledges his eternal loyalty to him. They set off to find the hidden treasure and seek revenge on all who have wronged him. He schemes to bankrupt Mondego and befriend Albert (Henry Cavill) the son of Mondego and Mercedès.

It's a traditional literary adventure ripped from the golden age of Hollywood. Some may dismiss its earnest swashbuckling ways. It is melodramatic goodness. It is just so well made with a solid cast. They may not be A-list at the time but they're A-list in talent. Jim Caviezel and Guy Pearce are terrific. They have an amazing final sword fight that is both emotional and compelling. Richard Harris comes in like a call back to another era. James Frain is a great villain and it's fun to see a young Henry Cavill.