A WONDERFUL REVIEW FOR THREE MUSKETEERS

By Padraic McKiernan, Aine O'Connor and Hilary A White

Sunday October 09 2011

The Three Musketeers 3D
Cert: 12A

SO much for fortune favouring the brave. The historical backdrop against which Hollywood's latest take on The Three Musketeers is played out, points to a world where fortune very much favours the knave. At least during the initial scenes.

As described in an opening voiceover, Europe is a "powder keg", while France, assailed on all sides, is under the reign of a feeble king, Louis XIII. He is but a pawn in a power grab being hatched by Cardinal Richelieu (Christoph Waltz) and his partner in treason, M'lady (Milla Jovovich).

The call goes out for the Three Musketeers, but alas, all is not as it could be with France's most faithful. A couple of setbacks have left Athos (Matthew Macfadyen), Porthos (Ray Stevenson) and Aramis (Luke Evans) submerged in self-pity and lacking in motivation. Cue swoons all round with the appearance of the dashing d'Artagnan (Logan Lermon) who proves that chivalry isn't dead. The four join forces for a swashbuckling storyline involving missing diamonds, double agents and double entendres.

Top-notch casting and impressive special effects create a film that will keep fans of good-quality blockbuster entertainment enthused. Collectively, these musketeers generate an engaging and likable screen presence while the hunktastic Lermon anchors proceedings brilliantly. Director Paul WS Anderson's tongue-in-cheek tone also sustains strong engagement levels for the duration. A case of all for fun and fun for all, then? Certainement.

PMcK