Betrayal, intrigue, deceit and revenge! (The Count Of Monte Cristo (DVD))

Member Name: sagat

Product:	The Count Of Monte Cristo (DVD)
Date:	16/06/09 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Intriguing story

Disadvantages: Could have gone on a bit longer and provided more depth

Based on a classic piece of literature and the subject of numerous cinematic adaptations, The Count of Monte Cristo is surely on a hiding to nothing with this latest remake?

The plot is pretty straightforward; young lad is betrayed by friend over a woman and unjustly imprisoned, only to find a way to exact his revenge. As with any film of this nature, it is all about how well this is presented, that decides whether we really enjoy it or not.

A minor complaint to get out of the way was that the film seemed extremely dark in places. Several night time and prison scenes had me squinting to see what was going on, which was a pain, especially when I have not had the same problem with other films.

This film weighs in at just over a fairly hefty two hours and ten minutes, but I did not feel it at all. The film flies by, a little too quick at times, and the viewer is able to enjoy a great adventurous, swashbuckling romp.

The actors all play their roles well, although I found Luis Guzman a little too modern at times as Dantes' sidekick. Caviezel's performance ranges from irritatingly innocent teen to beguiling Count extremely effectively, although I feel he should have kept the goatee. Pearce's Mondego is dashingly villainous, abusing our hero, his own wife and family and other members of the aristocracy with wanton amusement, proving to be a joy to watch.

Whilst the plot is intriguing, the action exciting and the characters involving, I can't help but feeling a little under-whelmed by the whole thing. I did enjoy it, but just felt that too much was crammed into the film. Having not read the book, I cannot compare differences between the two, but the rapid flashbacks towards the end of the film sit uncomfortably, and indicate that the odd large chunk was left out. I would have loved the film to last another hour or so and really build up the tension of events. As things are, it just seemed a little too easy for our hero to achieve his aims.

Similarly, some of the characterisations such as Jacopo and the prison warden are woefully lacking and leave the audience trying to fill plot holes in the story. We never really learn what is so great about the chick either, which is a shame; Mondego's later exchanges with her are superb.

I watched it on a Sunday evening, in bed with a plate of cheesy nachos, and that definitely helped it. I wouldn't recommend it as a blockbuster to watch, but as a lazy Sunday film with some action, adventure and charm, you won't go wrong, I just wish there was more meat to it.

Summary: A great rainy/lazy day film