The Count of Monte Cristo

Directed by: Kevin Reynolds

Starring: Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Richard Harris

Rating:

This movie is about what you would expect from a movie based on a Alexander Dumas novel. He's also written other stories that you may have heard of like The Three Musketeers and The Man in the Iron Mask. Like those this movie has definite cheesy parts and is quite ridiculous at times. But, if you can get beyond that this movie is pretty good.

The story here is about two friends who are separated by class differences. One being wealthy, the other being a poor sailor. But as luck would have it, the rich one, Pearce, wants what the poor one, Caviezel, has...his fiancée. Pearce betrays his best friend and with use of his wealth and power has him thrown into a jail and has the key thrown away. Caviezel meets an elderly soldier, Harris, in jail who trains him. He lives for revenge and plans his escape. When he does escape, with the help of Harris, he discovers hidden treasure that will allow him to slip into the world of Pearce. All he wants is revenge and his love back.

The acting is very good and Jim Caviezel really showed that he can lead a movie. He pulled off the right level of innocence, power, and sexiness for the role of the count. Guy Pearce was decent but he didn't shine as he has in the past. Harris is good, but his part is small.

The cinematography is pleasing to the eye but really the best part about the movie is the pace and the fight sequences. Dumas balances revenge, love, honor, intrigue, etc all very well and it keeps the story moving swiftly. It's good to keep the audience interested at all times. I never looked at my watch and I was never bored. The supporting characters are good but nothing special. The sets and costumes are impressive, from dilapidated cells and ripped clothes to rich palaces and decadent robes. This movie is entertaining but as I mentioned before it can be pretty cheesy. I think that most people will enjoy it. I recommend it for a fun night, just know that it's not to be taken so seriously.