The Three Musketeers - ka-Bloomie reviews

[Julika]

So, I've just come home from the cinema and thought maybe there are a few people on the net who might be interested in what I thought about a certain movie. Let me preface that I saw the German version in the very city the movie had location shots (Würzburg, Bavaria) so naturally the theatre was packed and people cheered whenever they recognised a place.

That being said the movie was very cheer-worthy even without the added local crowd. I'm currently working for a publishing house that publishes several versions of the novel and we told ourselves that it was very work-related and research and so on so we really had to go and see if they did the book justice. Okay, enough of the circumstances. I'll assume everyone knows the basic story so apologies if I give away anything on that.

First of all, I really liked how the roles were cast. I wasn't too sure of the changes to Milady de Winter, but I grew to like the character and how she was portrayed. We were all a bit skeptical about the steam-punk element of the story, but I have to say that it was integrated rather nicely. Yes, it is a lot of Hollywood effects and pretty pictures with lots of stuff flying your way. But! It was a well-directed and -produced movie with good action scenes and also roughly true to the original in its back story. There were many scenes where I thought "oh they tied this in really well". There were also quite a few scenes where I was thinking along the line of "he's not doing that right now - oh he is, I would be so embarrassed" - in a good way. There is a lot of quiet humour in this that won't have you laughing while holding your belly but bring a smile to your face.

I know you're waiting for a certain Duke. Well. His role is not ginormous or anything but he has some really nice scenes. I was so annoyed that in his very first scene he is mostly seen through a blur filter since the character seeing him is drugged and about to fall unconscious but oh well, what can you do. He is not very like-able but that was to be expected. However, I still kind of liked him for the role he played and how (if that makes sense). And no, he really doesn't get to fight. The only scene were he would have been able to it would have been him against automatic cannons. The odds? Not so great. But (and I had to bite my knuckles to stop from laughing out loud) he does not only get to command one ship but a whole fleet. With a ship telescope and everything. So, not a very big role but one that definitely leaves an impression. I really enjoyed the Duke antagonising the French king in terms of fashion. Or rather: I really enjoyed the movie. Period. The other actors did really well as well. Especially Logan Lerman as d'Artagnan whom I wasn't too sure about, but I enjoyed his performance. Rupert Grint as young and insecure (and to be honest really doddery) Louis was adorably awkward. And Christoph Waltz as Cardinal was pure genius. As I said well-cast. And the 3D effects are well-implemented, too. Not overly intrusive or used in a distracting quantity. I don't have to watch movies in 3D since it is more expensive. I think this movie will also work quite well without it but you can definitely see that parts of it were meant to be viewed in 3D and therefore shot for visual effect.

I'll have to catch it again when they are sowing the original version, I really missed Orlando's voice. But apart from that I had a very nice evening and would definitely recommend the movie to anyone who isn't looking for a historical documentary (one person next to me complained that they didn't have airships and the like back then - well, there is a reason why they call it creative adaption with steam-punk fantastic elements, which I for my part rather liked). I hope they are going to make the sequel that they not to subtly hint at at the end.

That's it from me. I don't know if this was the right place to put it but I've been away for a while and didn't want to open a new thread right on my return. Sorry if this isn't appropriate.

Julika

Ps: I totally forgot about the score! Let me just say that I'm almost certainly going to buy it. It felt a bit over the top for the few romance scenes but apart from that I cannot complain at all.

[Summer Day]

Thank you so much, Julika, for your great review.

I saw this movie yesterday, too, and I agree with everything you've said about this movie and Orlando's performance of the Duke. There's a lot of action and the 3D-effects are great. In my mind, only the slow motion sequences are a little bit annoying. There is also a lot of quiet humour that bring a smile to your face. And the scene with the fleet and the telescope.. too funny. I couldn't help laughing. I've enjoyed every minute of this movie and I think, yesterday I saw this movie the first time, but not the last time.

[Tahiri]

I was looking for a KaBloomie Reviews thread, but I see our German sisters have their reviews in this thread, so I will put my first thoughts here too.

Damn, that was a good film!

Having got that out of the way I must say that I was not at a 3D showing because the performance time didn't work out, but I didn't notice any lack of effects in 2D. There were also plenty of little humourous moments amongst the set pieces and fights, like the running joke about clothes colours between Louis and Buckingham.

I am already impatient for the DVD because there are some moments where I really want a screencap of the Duke. (After all, it is the first thing I have seen him in since World's End!)

The use of airships gets an explanation in the storyline. Having got them, the story then makes further use of them, which I liked. Milady's stunts were perhaps a bit over the top but despite that they didn't feel out of place.

I am trying to give an impartial review but I was really enjoying it too much to be picky. I think I need to see it again, perhaps in 3D this time.

I should perhaps make it clear that it would have been a great film even with someone else doing a good job as Buckingham. With Orlando in it it becomes .

T.

[Dati]

What a wonderfully entertaining movie! I watched it for the second time this week. First time in Germany, and now again, as it finally opened in Geneva. I went together with a friend, who is not necessarily an Orlando fan, and she also had many good laughs.

My sister said she would have named the movie: Lord Bucks and the four other guys.

I can agree with that, Orlando´s role is so funny and impressive, it almost makes you forget that there are other characters as well. Although I also enjoyed watching Christoph Waltz and Mads M.

And not to forget the beautiful settings. In the past I have been to most of them during my travels in Germany, and they make a perfect backdrop to the story.

Back to Orlando, as that is what we are most interested in: he plays Buckingham with a mix of petulant child, arrogant rich nobleman, intelligent and cunning politician, charming and ironic ladies´ man, it was simply perfect. And that made the movie enjoyable for me, as the plot does not really stray from the other 1000 older films about the same story. There was even a bit of PotC in there. To place Buckingham at the helm of a tall ship, that brings back memories and made me smile! Also the music at the end has reminiscences to the PotC soundtrack.

Go see it and love it!

[Elvira]

I saw 3M last night and came away chuckling.

I was thoroughly entertained and although I don't like action flicks and I'm sick to my back teeth of swordfights and fantastical special effects, I had to go see Orlando's performance. Four years is a long time not to see him on the big screen. And the Duke didn't disappoint. He was devilish and gorgeous in his beautiful costumes which we saw all too little of, in fact, Orlando wasn't on screen that much (more's the pity) because the action took over every scene. And because we're in Spain and the films here are dubbed, I didn't have the pleasure of hearing the Duke's original words, but now I have something to look forward to in the DVD! I liked seeing Orlando as the baddie, he was relly good at it. The references to the PotC films were a bit over the top but I liked the irrevent tone and the tongue-in-cheek take on the original.

The three musketeers were funny and sexy in their leather garb and boots. Matthew Mcfadyen always surprises me when he's in a comic role, I just remember him as the very serious Mr Darcy. *meeep* Logan Lerman was cute and will be the next hot thing in town for a minute, until the hair extensions come off and he'll be back looking like 13. Juno Temple gave a fine performance as Queen Anne and Christoph Waltz is always a great baddie.

The costumes and sets deserve awards, they were fantastic. I'm a sucker for period sets and this didn't disappoint. In my 2D viewing I could tell where the main 3D effects would come to play and in some points it looked slightly "studio made", like special effects in old films. For my taste altogether too much action but already going in I didn't expect anything else. I'm glad that in the marketing they clearly let the public know that this is a funny romp. The fanboys should love this.

[chitosmommy]

I was able to see the movie last night. I have never seen another 3M movie before and I have not read the book either so I went in not know what to expect. I really enjoyed the movie. It was fun, it was exciting and it made me laugh. Before I knew it it was over and I can't wait to see it again. I think it was a movie full of great performances. Thinking about it I enjoyed every character. The good guys and the bad guys. I even like the childish king.

Orlando was fun to watch as the Duke, not only did he look amazing with his fashion choices, but just the way he carried himself made it enjoyable. I wish he had more screen time but I was enjoying the movie so much that when he did pop up it was a bonus for me.

Thanks for posting the numbers, Jill. I was wondering about the numbers because something that I noticed was that in our local theater 3M was only showing 5 times for 3D and 5 times regular. So a total of 10 showings per day. I checked around at other theaters in near by cities and it was similar. One showing it a total of 8 times per day and another only showing it 5 times per day! I don't know much about how these things work but I thought at least on opening weekend it would show more times? Also the room it was showing in was one of the smaller rooms, which surprised me.

I am looking forward to watching it again with my son. I think I will be seeing some sword fighting in my house after that.

[desertflorece]

I went yesterday to see The Three Musketeers with my boy Bloom "enablers" and THOROUGHLY enjoyed the movie!

It was so much fun and even better than I had thought it might be. As someone else posted earlier, I enjoyed all the characters and though The Duke didn't have as much screen time as I'd like (after all it's been since POTC 3 since I've seen him on the big screen), Orlando's performance was 'spot on'. He did a terrific job with the role of the Duke; pompous, arrogant, and carried himself with the authority and ease of someone who is used to getting what he wants.

Fabulous film; so much fun! I'll be going to see it again with my hubby and friends.

[aliza]

I'm a dissenting voice. I saw it today and didn't like it. I thought it was cheesy and plotless and borrowed liberally from POTC (even the music was the same). It was nice to see Orlando on screen and clearly he'll be back for the sequel, but I likely won't be. What a mess.

There were only about a dozen people in the theater.

Aliza

[Krissy]

I'm with you Aliza. Daniel and I just got home from the theater and we had very mixed feelings about the movie. It has a lot of positive elements going for it: most especially, the actors were all wonderful and the costumes and sets were amazing, but something was missing and things didn't quite gel for us. It jarred me every time I saw an obviously painted backdrop. They were way too obvious.

And it seemed to me like Orlando was the only one told to camp it up. I don't know why a director would do that to one actor while everyone else is playing it straight (with the exception of the King, of course). In my book, camp is an all or nothing deal, and I would have preferred it if the Duke was less of a cartoon and more of a character. He certainly had plenty to work with, but since he has always said he is a "Director's Actor", I have to blame the Director for sending mixed signals.

Overall, I kept comparing this version to Richard Lester's, saw the obvious steals homages to that gem and still prefer Lester's take. The allusions to POTC may just be a matter of how many ways can you buckle a swash, but it did make me cringe. In trying to remake this story for a new generation, I felt like it was just dumbed down too much.

My wish for Orlando, after his trip back to Middle-earth, is that he focus on contemporary films (both drama and comedy) without period costumes or gimmicks, where he can really show off his acting chops.

[Christa]

I saw it Saturday afternoon and LOVED it! My local paper gave it a horrid review (grade D) but I wasn't about to let that stop me from seeing my man on the big screen after a four year wait. I was disappointed to see that there were only 7 of us at my viewing. I really wanted it to do well.

Anyway, the only negative aspect I can think of was Milady de Winter's antics. Her action scenes

(since when do they have lasers in the 17th century?!)

were a bit much, but other than that I can't complain. I really enjoyed the other actors, especially Matthew Macfadyen as Athos. I enjoyed the fight scenes and the music. The last scene at the end had me grinning from ear to ear.

Orlando, of course, did not disappoint. Very swoon-worthy. I'm planning a second viewing this weekend.

Christa

[BlueGem]

I saw T3M on Saturday, also, and I thought it was a great big romp! Yes, it definitely imitated POTC and several other major film franchises, but of course, another perspective is that it paid homage to them. I wasn't expecting great literature, award-winning performances, or a decent plot. Yes, quite a bit of it stretched even my ability to "suspend disbelief" but I really didn't care. I just wanted pure entertainment - and that was delivered.

I thought that Orlando and the King were great camping it up, while all around them the "straight" players were manipulating situations right and left. It was fun being in on the joke. It put me in mind of the Fifth Element - lots of over the top type characters and an ironic sort of almost-but-not-quite spoofiness. I thought the whole thing was hilarious.

It's worth seeing just to hear Orlando's evil cackle! And no matter how many layers of clothes he is wearing, he is still

Still, I don't think it is particularly necessary to see it in 3D - I didn't see any SFX that were really all that amazing in 3D. :flyingbat:

I may see it again next weekend and see if I feel differently, but I think I will enjoy it just as much. And I look forward to the DVD/Blu Ray release, hoping for lots of making of and cast interviews.

My theater was stunningly empty for a Saturday night, as well.

[kathryn]

Hello all,

I'm sad to say that I have to add another dissenting voice - I was distinctly underwhelmed by this film. Quite simply, there was not enough Orlando to make up for the deficiency of plot, and an over-reliance on FX and extended action sequences - with none of the charm of the POTC set pieces.

I agree that Orlando was obviously told to camp Buckingham up, and the other actors to play it straight, which is just stupid - steampunk is all about winking at your audience, you have to do it full-throttle for it to work, otherwise it just looks half-assed.

It's such a shame - it's been so long since I've seen Orlando on the big screen that his was a big dissapointment.

kathryn

[Welshwoman]

Seriously, it wasn't that big a disappointment to me. I'm rather surprised at my reaction. I parked my Dumas' novel sensibilities at the door. Once that was accomplished (and rather successfully, I might add), I was able to sit back and let the film wash over me. Yes, it was outlandish in part, unbelievable, over the top -- but I knew that going in. There was homage to POTC and to Jules Verne (airships instead of underwater ships). Milady's antics in sword fighting and maneuvering in those voluminous skirts as well as her survival of a drop to the channel gave me multiple raised eyebrows. Nothing daunted, I forged ahead. The gents were pleasing to the eye, I enjoyed the action (I've always been a swashbuckling kind of gal), Rochefort got his comeuppance, and best of all, I got to see Orlando on the big screen at last.

Someone else mentioned the backdrops in her review. For the most part they looked like paintings to me. Rather odd, but not totally displeasing. It very much looks like a sequel has been planned. I guess we'll have to wait and see if that is forthcoming.

So, all for one and one for all. Personally, I'll take the novel any day of the week. Still, I got to see Orlando, all tricked out and looking quite rakish. Not a bad late afternoon's work.

[Marilyn S.]

I would have to go with Blue Gem and Barbara on this one. I saw T3M over the weekend, and my expectations were not that high. Overall, I liked it. Like others have said, it is silly and over-the-top at times. No, it wasn't as good as the book or the Pirates movies, but it was a fun action popcorn movie.

The actors who played the three musketeers were good in their roles, yet oddly enough they weren't really that important to this story, even though they're the title characters. Logan Lerman was fine, if a bit green as an actor, but he has potential to be a good actor. Then there's Orlando, who I thought was great in the role, at least the way it was written. He really did steal his scenes. I just wish there was at least one or two more scenes of the Duke. Needless to say, he looked smashing in those clothes.

Kim, I thought the 3D effects were pretty good, but nothing that would be missed in seeing it 2D. I mainly saw it in 3D because the time worked better for me and I was curious about the idea of seeing Orlando in 3D (sadly my fantasy of Orlando jumping out of the screen and landing on my lap did not happen. )

As for Orlando's future movies, I agree he should do more contempary movies. Sadly, the indie market hasn't worked out that well for him as his recent movies have not really gotten any distribution. And I don't know if the movies he's currently attached to will get big distribution either(Is that Robert Graves movie still in the works?) So I think a good strategy would be if Orlando can go back and forth between movies that will help him as grow as an actor, and doing action blockbusters like the Hobbit movies and maybe a T3M sequel. That way he can have money to do the movies he really wants to do and we can see him on the big screen on ocassion while waiting for his smaller movies to come out.

[Kim]

I just got back from seeing The Three Musketeers and I absolutely enjoyed it!

It was a wild and exciting ride and I can't wait to see it again. I thought they stayed true to the core of the story despite the airships and the steampunk, especially with D'Artagnan's part of the story, it reminded me a lot of the version when Michael York played him. I also thought Logan Lerman did a good job playing the part. I also loved the actors that played the Musketeers, they did a fantastic job.

Now onto Orlando and I thought he was perfect as the Duke and a great baddie! I loved the way he arrived at the King's Palace in the airship, that was awesome and I loved the scenes between him and Milla, talk about sexy! And I absolutely loved the end, they certainly left the door open for a sequel!

So as soon as I got home I told my Dad you have got to go see this! So hopefully he and my Brother will want to go see it and if and when they do I will definitely go with them because I want to see this again!

Kim

[McJules]

I have found all the reviews very interesting. For me personally, I tend to agree with Welshwoman. I found it entertaining but mainly because I had no expectations going in. I love a good swashbuckling movie and this did not disappoint. I thought Orlando as Buckingham was charming and fun to watch. I agree with some of the comments about the special effect being inconsistent with the time period but I threw aside any notion of sensibility and I was fine.

All in all, I enjoyed a night out at the movies and like many others, this had been the first time since AWE that I'd seen Orlando on the big screen and he's still swoon-worthy.

[cinemapersians]

I'm glad we didn't have to wait long to see our Duke. He WAS the reason I was there, right? After that it was much too long to wait for a reappearance and not enough of them, if you ask me. I'm sure Orlando would have had more screen time if he had been one of the Musketeers, the manipulative Cardinal Richelieu, or even the dastardly Rochefort, but still. . . it wasn't near enough of The Pretty for me.

Our Duke was deliciously camp and cheeky and BAD and I enjoyed every minute of his (far too few) minutes of screen time. It's obvious by the ending that there's going to be a sequel (possibly depending on how well this one does?). I'm already looking forward to it!

As for the film itself and the other characters. . . ? Well, I didn't really like the look of Athos. I think it was his hair, I'm not sure. I just didn't like the way he looked for some reason, but Aramis, Porthos and the young, scrappy D'Artagnan were fine. I thought it pretty cool that Porthos didn't wear the infamous hat the others wore with no issue.

I wondered about Milady off and on throughout the film. When she was caught on the roof, why did she fight the guards? Just to prove that she could? Why was she up there anyway? When, in this era, would she have learned her fighting (etc.) skills?

I thought it utterly ridiculous that the young King cared more about his wardrobe (and competition with the Duke) than he did in ruling over and controlling his realm. I did like his companionship with D'Artagnan and obvious affection for "his" Musketeers and his Queen, though.

The movie itself was a bit on the pointless side, and I think Dumas would be turning over in his grave if he'd seen the airships and a few other plot devices, (although I very much enjoyed them being there). All of that being said, if you're just wanting to see Orlando on a big screen again, or the swashbuckling and wonderful fight scenes, or just to enjoy a fun movie for the movie's sake, then by all means go and see this film.

Yes, I plan on seeing it at least one more time (perhaps in 3D?) just so I can enjoy Orlando being the childish and petulant Duke in all his gorgeous pompadour-headed glory.

- Pam -

[SeventhGate]

I was really excited to see this so maybe my expectations were too high. I thought Orlando was awesome. He played his part perfectly and was (for me) the bright spot of the movie. The one shot of him where it showed a close-up of his eyes . . . My sister and I just about died right there in the theater.

Other than that I think I was disappointed. It was an oddly flat movie. Not much to say about it really. Logan Lehrman was okay but I just couldn't get past his horrible wig. (I hope that was a wig ). I really liked the other three musketeers but I also wasn't crazy about Mia Jovovich. I expected more from her.

I am quite fond of the 1990's Disney version. Now that was an awesome movie. Again, maybe I was just expecting too much from this one.

~Mandy~

[Semmley]

You are right Barbara. For me, too, TTM was simply a swashbuckling romp with no pretensions to anything other than entertainment. Apart from being very fetching, the Duke was a devious delight and Orlando obviously enjoyed the role. The man was born out of his time and the outrageous cut of his clothes suited him. However, it seemed to me that the talents of most of the cast were entirely wasted. But then, that is what happens in such movies.

For all the reasons that have been stated, Milady irritated me and got far too much screen time. Athos had the best lines, Aramis and Porthos were truest to type. D'Artagnan was too young (and it irked me that he got top billing!). The Cardinal and Rochefort hardly got to flex their combined evil muscles. The Duke's role was similarly shortened. (Alas!) The props caused an enormous stretch of my suspension of disbelief.

In spite of all that, I enjoyed the movie. And the last frame?

I am inclined to agree with Milady on one point. I saw no television or press promotion of the movie and it was quite by chance (and in hope) that I checked the local theatre listings. In spite of that the theatre was a quarter full and the audience enjoyed the film.

I find it interesting that the film did not do well at the US Box Office, but is apparently making money internationally. Was the film too European?

[Jan]

I ducked out of work early to go the last day the 3D version was out - yes, this was the first time I saw it. BAD fangirl.

Well, it certainly isn't as bad as some of the reviews. You can't compare it to any previous 3M movies (LOVE the Richard Lester one(s), but my favorite Musketeer portrayals are in Man in the Iron Mask with DiCaprio), it's not even in the same league. But it was fun. (Even with too much Milady.)

But it was surreal, because I had a private screening. No one else in the theater. Seriously. There were so few people there for any movie (well, it is Thursday and all the new ones come out tomorrow), I had to buy my ticket at the concession stand. At a 14-screen multiplex.

The 3D was a problem for me, as they would have these massive painted backdrops which were obviously NOT 3D - it looked super tacky. (And semi-destroying Notre Dame Cathedral? Puh-leeze.) I think I'll go for 2D from now on, unless it's something all computer-generated, like Avatar (that I'm interested in, that is). And there were some massive plot holes big enough to drive an 18-wheeler through, but going in with low expectations can be a real advantage.

I thought the acting was pretty good all around (even though Milla is not much of an actress), and I enjoyed Orlando. (Though I liked him better in Good Doctor and SforD.) I know the film did well overseas (poorly in the US), so it's hard to say if they'll do the sequel (and Rochefort would be sorely missed). The way it was written, I'm sure a lot of the actors are 'obligated' to one or two, if they decide to go that way. And obviously the Duke would be a big part of it.

[sagebutterspanky]

I'll be brief. This movie was terrible. Professor Sandy and I kept glancing at each other going "WTF"?

Here's the weird part. The dudes playing the 3M's were lots of fun. But Logan Lerman's D'Artagnan was painful as a root canal sans anesthesia. He is a wretched actor. I wanted the cliche 16 ton Monty Python weight to slam down on him.

Orlando as the dastardly duke, well, he was great. Waaaaaay too little screen time. Orlando planted his tongue in his cheek and swashed his pretty buckles to the max.

But huge plot holes and Logan Lerman killed the movie for me.

I'll purchase it on DVD to watch the essential scenes.

Spanky