The Three Musketeers (2011)

Running Time: 110 mins
Directed By: Paul W.S. Anderson
Starring: Ray Stevenson, Matthew MacFadyen, Luke Evans, Logan Lerman,  Milla Jovovich, Juno Temple, Logan Lerman, Orlando Bloom, Christoph Waltz, Freddie Fox
Screenplay: Alex Litvak, Andrew Davies,
UK Release Date: 12th October 2011 - UK

Quick Plot: When reckless and arrogant d'Artagnan travels to Paris to pursue his dream of meeting and becoming a member of the Three Musketeer's, he finds they aren't as legendary as he thought. But when a 'great cause' comes along, saving the French monarchy from being overthrown, the swash-buckling heroes find they just might be needed after all.

Review: The Three Musketeers is an absolute legend in films, so it's no surprise another film has been made; this film filmed in 3D too. Sadly I didn't see the 3D showing, but a few months back I saw one of the action scenes (possibly my favourite scene) at the Big Screen event in 3D which I quite enjoyed, but I am unsure whether or not the whole film would be worth it.
As the film started, I was engrossed by the introduction concept it began with as it was interesting, fun and quite vibrant to look at. Then you're planted right into a plot by the musketeers, with some great FX action, a nice thought out introductory of them and you're already won over. After this, you meet young d'Artagnan, showing off his combat skills and arrogant characteristics, he gets himself into a few personal troubles and soon the three musketeers and d'Artagnan are a pretty much pals. The first 15-20 minutes is overall very good. With a little too much humour and slow mos, plenty of fight scenes and a James Corden, The Three Musketeers starts off great. Oh how I wish the whole duration of the film continued like this way.
After quite an enjoyable first part, the middle of the film seems to drag, even though it's necessary for the plot line to advance, you are sitting there wondering why it has to. The comic relief humour in it from King Louis (Freddie Fox) keeps it together luckily, and when the musketeers are back on the screen everything seems somehow better again. Characters are all quite likable or easily unlikable with Watlz being his usual cunning self, it's Jovovich who stands out. Being so wickedly sexy, she holds some of the most interesting scenes, captivating the audience into somehow, possibly liking her character (and hoping she is brought back for the almost definite sequel). Another great essence of The Three Musketeers is that the leads themselves are cast quite perfectly and all have obvious chemistry with one another. MacFadyen, Stevenson and Evans all had their fair share of great moments and I can't really flaw their acting but Lerman is the one who stood out even more. He's a truly talented actor and has got quite a CV for his age, his d'Artagnan, though quite irritating, has the best fencing and fighting scenes, has a little bit of humour and he makes the film a whole lot better. You can tell that everyone had an absolute blast making the film and that's what the film wants the audience to do; have fun. Though it seems to go down a path similar to Pirates Of The Caribbean (I don't think I'm ever going to understand the floating ship), it's a fun and newly adapted version of The Three Mustkeers.

Yes, the script isn't the best, it feels dragged and (though I'm probably the only one to think it) the romance plot between d'Artagnan and the Queen's lady in waiting seemed overbearing, I don't think anyone ever expected the film to be incredible.

Maybe it's a lot of silly fun, but The Three Musketeers isn't half bad at all. If you go in with an open mind you'll have a bit of a laugh and find it quite entertaining, but if you hope for a lot you'll be disappointed.

3/5

The Three Musketeers trailer

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