The Count of Monte Cristo
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Movie Reviews of The Count of Monte Cristo
Movie Review: An Excellent movie in its own right
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to admit to my embarrassment that I have never read the book. In fact I did not know it existed until I stumbled across this movie and saw references to it in the other reviews. So my review must concentrate on the movie alone rather than as a comparison with the book.Some of the other reviewers commented on how untrue to the book it was. I think this is inevitable when making a modern movie since moviegoers generally aren't as interested in accuracy as they are in how dramatic the movie is (See Pearl Harbor). And as much as some of us may like longer movies (Lawrence of Arabia, Titanic etc), two hours is generally all that most audiences can stomach in our day.
That flaw aside, I thought Caviezel played the part of Edmond Dantes wonderfully. First as the innocent and naïve Young Dantes and then his `re-incarnation' as the knowledgeable Count of Monte Cristo. Guy Pearce also plays the villain quite convincingly. My only criticism is that Luiz Guzman's accent and mannerisms felt more suited to a modern day drama than a medieval romance.
The action in the film, particularly the sword fighting scenes were good but the main attraction of the movie for me was Dantes' perseverance in suffering and his undying love for the woman he loved. This and other elements of the classic novels - jealousy, betrayal, revenge - are still preserved.
I think you should enjoy the movie in its own right rather than as a comparison to Dumas' original work. Can any movie really do a book justice? Enjoy this movie for its own sake!
Movie Review: A Finer Historical Drama You Won't Find
Summary: 5 Stars
Historical dramas are peculiar animals. While their "age-old" story might be relevant today, these movies usually are not successful at the box office unless they are star driven (think Leonardo DiCaprio), have a unique twist to their story (think "Shakespeare in Love") or are remakes with enough years between their previous versions or they are presented in an upgraded format (color versus black-and-white) as to spark an interest in the updated version.When done correctly, the historical drama is timeless. In this instance, forget about looking for a forgotten telephone pole in the picture, it is not there. Additionally, the use of no "star," per se, allows us, the viewer, to concentrate on the story and its plot twists that, in this instance, involve greed, love, and betrayal.
Jim Caviezel, as Dantes/the Count, Guy Pearce as his deceitful companion, and Dagmara Dominczyk, as Mercedes, are tremendous in the star roles. Richard Harris, as a fellow prisoner who aids Dantes in developing his knowledge and skills, is a real gem.
The audio commentary by director Kevin Reynolds is one of the better commentaries one can find on a DVD.
I've rated this DVD "5" stars, which seems a little high. A "3" star feature is one I'd recommend to others who like movies that I do; a "4 is one I'd recommend to others without hesitation; and a "5" is one that I'd be able to watch time and time again, seeing something new with each viewing. I hope you will, too.
Movie Review: Want to See a Great Movie?
Summary: 5 Stars
I love movies about the human spirit and the power of redemption. This, like Shawshank Redemption, will leave you feeling as though there is still some hope left for you so that you, too, may be redeemed. Remember this; every sinner has a future and every saint has had a past.
I'm not going to tell you too much about the movie because I am counting on the reviewers to let you in on some of the things that take place in this film. I am also going to tell you that this movie is based on the book, but there are many signifigant differences. What are they? Well, you'll just have to read the book and then watch the movie or vice versa.
So, what then am I going to tell you? I'm going to tell you to buy this movie and be prepared to be inspired. Not for vengeful plotting but for knowing that there is a mission and a purpose for us to fulfill. All of us have created prisons of our own making and it is up to us to free ourselves of those prisons. It is not really God that redeems us as much as we redeem ourselves to God...or to Life...or to whatever you want to call it. The trick is to not get hung up on labels, but to know that resurrection is as natural to the human spirit as breathing.
Can a movie really deliver such powerful messages? Of course! But you have to first be open to the idea that Truth can be found everywhere. Whether in a prison cell or a glorious palace because Truth resides deep in the human heart and that is all you need to know.
Movie Review: BREATHTAKING...THEY JUST DON'T MAKE 'EM LIKE THIS ANYMORE
Summary: 5 Stars
Like the previous reviewer, I too was fortunate enough to catch this last Tuesday at a sneak preview in NY. This was simply magnificent in every possible way. The acting, script, cinematography were stunning. I just want to say something: Todays moviegoers want mass market drivel. This is art. But at the same time it's an exciting, action-packed, plot AND character driven story during which any viewer with a heart and a soul will be on the edge of his or her seat. JIM CAVAZIEL, if there is justice in this world, will become a HUGE A-list leading man as a result of his BRILLIANT performance. No other actor out there could have played the Count in this movie; he was made for this, his role of a lifetime, and he deserves an OSCAR FOR IT. Guy Pearce, so sexy and sympathetic in his previous roles, is so believable as a villain in this movie, that one walks out of the theatre despising his fictional self - sorry Guy this just means that you are a GREAT ACTOR - and big things are waiting for him as well - all actors in this movie are extremely talented and are irreplaceable.PLEASE GO SEE THIS MOVIE, ONE AND ALL - ITS OSCAR CALIBER,CLASSIC STUFF**DO NOT BE DISCONCERTED BY THE FACT THAT YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW THE STORY - IT'S A NEW, MODERN, ORIGINAL TWIST - IT'S EVEN GOT SOME COMEDY - A MUST - SEE!!!!!AND I'VE SEEN EM ALL........I WILL PAY TO SEE IT AGAIN. AS ABOVE, AN AUDIENCE FULL OF MANY JADED PROFESSIONAL MOVIE CRITICS GAVE IT A STANDING OVATION AT CLOSING CREDITS...
Movie Review: BREATHTAKING...THEY JUST DON'T MAKE 'EM LIKE THIS ANYMORE
Summary: 5 Stars
Like the previous reviewer, I too was fortunate enough to catch this last Tuesday at a sneak preview in NY. This was simply magnificent in every possible way. The acting, script, cinematography were stunning. I just want to say something: Todays moviegoers want mass market drivel. This is art. But at the same time it's an exciting, action-packed, plot AND character driven story during which any viewer with a heart and a soul will be on the edge of his or her seat. JIM CAVAZIEL, if there is justice in this world, will become a HUGE A-list leading man as a result of his BRILLIANT performance. No other actor out there could have played the Count in this movie; he was made for this, his role of a lifetime, and he deserves an OSCAR FOR IT. Guy Pearce, so sexy and sympathetic in his previous roles, is so believable as a villain in this movie, that one walks out of the theatre despising his fictional self - sorry Guy this just means that you are a GREAT ACTOR - and big things are waiting for him as well - all actors in this movie are extremely talented and are irreplaceable.PLEASE GO SEE THIS MOVIE, ONE AND ALL - ITS OSCAR CALIBER,CLASSIC STUFF**DO NOT BE DISCONCERTED BY THE FACT THAT YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW THE STORY - IT'S A NEW, MODERN, ORIGINAL TWIST - IT'S EVEN GOT SOME COMEDY - A MUST - SEE! AND I'VE SEEN EM ALL...I WILL PAY TO SEE IT AGAIN. AS ABOVE, AN AUDIENCE FULL OF MANY JADED PROFESSIONAL MOVIE CRITICS GAVE IT A STANDING OVATION AT CLOSING CREDITS...