In the name of the King The historical-adventure novel, which is based on not a few real facts and real-life prototypes, was filmed so many times that its next, modernized variation, caused many questions. From the naive “why”, to curiosity, in what form this story will present the director of the legendary films “Deathly Battle” and “Resident Evil” Paul Anderson, a great lover of excellent action and impressive action films.
He presented the "Musketeers" in his signature style. Here the abundance of action and multimillion-dollar high-quality special effects does not cease to please the eye from the animated titles and an impressive prologue in Venice, and the drive and notes of tension do not let go until the very end. Stylistically, it's like a mix of Pirates of the Caribbean's best moments and Guy Ritchie's bold decisions for Sherlock Holmes. The feeling that it was these two film franchises that Anderson focused on, keeping his recognizable handwriting in the best of his own traditions.
As for the content, the plot of Dumas was reworked for the better and filled with very impressive elements for greater cinematography of what is happening. At the same time, Anderson and the acting team managed to flawlessly preserve all the types and characters of the main characters, elevating certain features to even more catchy, and by some successful finds supplementing the image to even greater brightness.
Dream cast deserves a separate praise from small to great! Fighting in the name of the king, the Musketeers in the best light managed to present themselves on the screen. Finally, we see D’Artagnan as he should have been – young, ambitious and incredibly confident. Logan Lerman brilliantly played his game even against the background of venerable and experienced colleagues, achieving precisely the due youthful maximalism and a surge of emotions in the brightest moments. Matthew McFaden perfectly presents Athos as the leader of the Musketeers, retaining all the gloom and mystery of the image, emphasizing the past associated with Milady. However, it seems that Matthew is struggling to play Athos in the way that Robert Downey Jr. would do (in the dubbing even the voice picked up the appropriate one). Porthos, who loves to eat and worships material goods, performed by Ray Stevenson turned out to be as strikingly successful as Luke Evans’ Aramis, with all his trademark features. And the benefit of some musketeers ideal casting picture is not limited.
Milla Jovovich, born precisely for the role of Milady, finally embodied the most ideal image for herself in the most stunning form. A colorful villain-intrigue, with a thirst for adventures in the soul and wealth in fact, an incredibly seductive femme fatale, and, in this case, not only temperamental and impeccable in her villainous charisma, but also armed with trick art and all sorts of gadgets for turning dark affairs. One of Milla's best roles in her career, if not the most-most!
The perfect Richelieu was Christoph Waltz, from whom nothing else was expected, a brilliant game in a brilliant image. Well, Rochefort performed by Mads Mikkelsen was the best in the history of film adaptations of the work! The villainous characters of the picture do not end there, because there is still a chic Duke of Buckingham, who was so chicly played by Orlando Bloom, unrecognizably reincarnated into an excellent villain standing for the glory of Britain. Well, in the prologue, everyone must note the chic appearance of Thiel Schweiger in the image of Cagliostro - another of those features of the film that cause delight and applause!
Comedian James Corden very vividly portrayed the servant Planchet, this character will definitely be remembered and loved by the audience, animating the atmosphere of the picture with humorous notes and funny antics. And the real diamond of the picture are the charming Gabriella Wilde and the amazing Juno Temple - two beauties who embodied the most ideal way the gentle Constantia and Queen Anne. And I'm sure many will remember how the king was betrayed by actor Freddie Fox. Again, the graceful dilution of saturated action comedy tones turned out simply excellent for the perfect entertaining blockbuster!
Retelling the plot or revealing the difference between a new film and a book work makes no sense. First of all, it is necessary to see that such impressive pictures, worthy of the title of the best and main film of the year, do not appear so often. As for the differences, in Anderson’s film, the plot, I repeat, has been reworked directly for the better, becoming much more fascinating, impressive and interesting. At the same time, a place was left for the sequel with the final epilogue, which should be placed after the credits, as it is fashionable to do now. The fate of the characters, intrigue, plot action - everything turned out to be either improved or in the traditions of the original, with an interspersion of incredibly successful and bold script and directorial moves.
To praise the amazing picture you want not only a beautiful casting, perfect fit for their roles, and not only the saturation of action, special effects and battles (the final fight of D’Artagnan with Rochefort on the roof is worthy of applause and all sorts of movie awards!), but also the technical part: the impressive camera work of Glen McPherson and the amazing music of Paul Haslinger! The action version of “The Musketeers” by Paul Anderson turned out to be the perfect blockbuster and the benchmark of entertainment cinema. The best film of the director in his entire career and at the same time, perhaps, the best film production of this work, despite the differences. They just helped make the picture so wonderful and excellent!
10 IZ 10
Original