Today’s quick review: The Three Musketeers. Hoping to become a Musketeer like his late father, D’Artagnan (Chris O’Donnell) sets off for Paris to offer his sword to the King. But when Cardinal Richelieu (Tim Curry) disbands the Musketeers as part of a plot to claim the throne, D’Artagnan joins three of the remaining Musketeers—Athos (Kiefer Sutherland), Porthos (Oliver Platt), and Aramis (Charlie Sheen)—to stop the Cardinal and save the King.
The Three Musketeers is an action adventure based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas. The Three Musketeers is an energetic, streamlined adaptation of its source material. Brisk pacing, a breezy tone, and a time-tested plot all contribute to an enjoyable watch, while a balanced cast and swashbuckling action round out the film quite nicely. However, not all viewers will appreciate the film’s simplicity or the way it sidesteps any heavy drama.
The Three Musketeers sticks with the basics of the adventure genre and executes them well. The plot has clear conflicts for the characters to deal with, unambiguous heroes and villains, and pacing that never lets up for long. It is also stitched together with plenty of action. None of the stunts are jaw-dropping, but they are well-suited to the needs of the film, keeping the excitement level up and showing off the Musketeers’ courage.
The Three Musketeers also benefits from a well-rounded cast. The Musketeers themselves have distinctive personalities, drawn in quick, easy strokes that never distract from the main plot. The villains fare just as well, with Tim Curry making for a suitably diabolical Cardinal Richelieu, while Michael Wincott makes for a quietly menacing Captain Rochefort. More to the point, the cast fits well together, with no one character stealing the show.
The strengths of The Three Musketeers also define its weaknesses. The movie is a fairly straight adaptation that will not appeal to those looking for realism or subversive twists. Nearly all of its appeal comes from old-fashioned adventure and classic action, meaning those who are in it for raw spectacle may be disappointed. Finally, the movie does aim to be family-friendly, leading to a tone that skews just a bit too late in certain places.
The Three Musketeers is worth a watch if you’re a fan of the adventure genre for its own sake. Though the movie holds few real surprises, its cast, consistency, and earnest love for its source material make it a fulfilling watch. Those who appreciate what the genre has to offer will find it to be a simple classic. Those looking for gritty historical fiction, all-out action, or a fresh take on the story will want to steer clear.
For another high-quality adaptation of a novel by Alexandre Dumas, try The Count of Monte Cristo. For one that’s less even but has much of the same charm, try The Man in the Iron Mask. For a Western that wears its heart on its sleeve in the same way, try Tombstone. For a swashbuckling, tongue-in-cheek musical comedy, try The Pirates of Penzance. For a more stylized action adventure, try The Adventures of Tintin.
6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for pure adventure.