Today’s quick review: The Three Musketeers. Three aspiring musketeers, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, get their chance to prove themselves when Princess Minnie is kidnapped. But little do they realize that the culprit is their very own Captain Pete, who plans to get rid of the princess so he can become King of France. To save Minnie, the three heroes must overcome their fears and shortcomings to become true musketeers.
The Three Musketeers is an animated comedy adventure from Disney. The movie is very loosely adapted from the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas, retaining only the basic setting and hardly any plot. The Three Musketeers has all the fun and energy of a Mickey Mouse short, but it lacks the depth of Disney’s other feature-length offerings. A few sly jokes and musical allusions give it some legs, but its plot and characters are geared towards younger audiences.
The Three Musketeers is mainly an excuse for slapstick in the classic Disney mold. Mickey, Donald, and Goofy bumble their way through a series of encounters as they try to keep the princess safe. The story has almost nothing in common with the plot of the novel, but there are enough steps along the way to fill out an entertaining hour or so. The musical numbers are short and forgettable, and none of its scenes are iconic.
Still, The Three Musketeers makes for a fine watch when you’re in the mood for something quick and upbeat. Its fun characters and vibrant slapstick are enough to keep the movie going from moment to moment. Just don’t expect the rich worlds or nuance of Mulan or The Lion King. For a swashbuckling comedy with a similar tone and more sophisticated humor, check out The Pirates of Penzance.
6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for energy and charm without the full craftsmanship of big-budget Disney productions.