Rating: 
Summary: Count Yourself Lucky
Review: Author Alexander Dumas's literary classic, The Count Of Monte Cristo, has had many different film adaptations over the years. Few though, have been as solid, as the 2002 version. The latest retelling of the story, stays true, while at the same time is given a fresh coat of paint by director Kevin Reynolds.Edmond Dantes AKA The Count of Monte Cristo (James Caviezel) is wrongfully imprisioned for 13 years for something he didn't do. While in captivity, he plots to seek revenge on a former friend and ally, who is the real culprit---Fernand Mondego (the great Guy Pearce). With the help of fellow prisoner Abbbé Faria (Richard Harris, in one of his last roles), Edmond keeps his sanity and stays true to his plan Screenwriter Jay Wolpert avoids the pitfalls of some classic adaptations and keeps the humor to an appropriate minimum. He also retains the action of the original novel, making sure his script has it all. Director Kevin Reynolds makes one forget the debacle of Waterworld with crisp, clean direction. The action and swordplay are well staged and exciting to watch. As I hinted at earlier, the performances are quite good, with Caviezel and Pearce evenly matched in intensity. The DVD has some great extras that will only make you appreciate the film even more. The audio commentary by Reynolds is very good and is as detailed as the track he did for Robin Hood: Prince Of Theives. A series of featurettes take you through the book and how some of the film came together. "The Pen" takes a look at the book's author Alexander Dumas, "Adapting A Classic" looks at the challenges that Wolpert faced, "The Napoleonic World examines the film's production design, "En Garde" and "The Clash Of Steel" concerns the swordplay and stunts of the film. There are 4 extended scenes, introduced by film editor Stephen Semel and director Reynolds. Rounding out the bonus material is a clever interactive feature on the sound design of the film. The Count Of Monte Cristo is a good film that has a lot going for it. It's a shame that it didn't get a better reception upon its release. If you like high adventure and solid acting this is for you.
Rating:
Summary: The Count of Four Stars
Review: So here we are with yet another remake of an Alexander Dumas story. Did we really need another one? Of course we did! There seems to be a great lack of adventure and escapism in movies nowadays, at least in the quality style of Dumas anyway. This is the story of an early 19th century Spanish sailor who is falsely imprisoned and eventually escapes to wreak his vengeance on those who betrayed him. It's a beautifully looking film too, but unfortunately I felt there were two serious problems which prevented it from acheiving greatness: First of all, I thought Jim Cazeivel was a great choice for the lead role, but for some reason he seemed to underplay his scenes for almost the entire second half of the movie. Guy Pearce ends up stealing the show as the back-stabbing best friend. Secondly, although the ending was certainly exciting and fulfilling enough, it seemed to lack the neccessary push from the music score. A great score was in call for and it just didn't happen. I noticed that the first time I saw the film. I have to be careful not to criticize too much however, because I did like the movie enough to buy it and watch it several times over. Seeing more of this type of movie would be welcomed any day.
Rating: 
Summary: This movie was amazing
Review: Edmond Dantes(Jim Caviezel) and his best friend Fernand ( Guy Pierce) are forced to dock ship to save the life of their captain. Napolean will only offer medical assistance if Edmond delivers a letter from Napolean to Versaille. Little does Edmond know that it contains plans to overthrow the king. When Edmond and Fernand return, Edmond is promoted to captain of the ship and becomes engaged to his one true love Mercedes (Dagmara Domincyzk). Fernand becomes jealous of Edmond's life and he also feels betrayed when he manages to find out about the letter. He turns Edmond into the authorities. Now Edmond is branded a traitor to France and sentenced to life imprisonment in the worst prison imaginable. Mercedes is told by the crown prosecutor that Edmond is dead, and she marries Fernand. While inside, Edmond befriends a priest ( Richard Harris) who educates him, teaches him to fight, and lets him know of a treasure of the Island of Monte Cristo. Edmond promises his friend that he will escape and find the treasure. Edmond finally does after 14 years and uses the treasure to become the Count of Monte Cristo. As the count, Edmond plans to gain revenge on Fernand and the Crown Prosecutor (James Frain), as well as win back Mercedes. Count of Monte Cristo has an amazing story of revenge and love, outstanding acting, and thrilling swashbuckling action that will keep you glued to the screen. Jim Caviezel nails the role of Edmond Dantes to perfection. Guy Pierce does an amazing job as Fernand. His treacherous ways make him the perfect villan. Dagmara Domincyzk does a nice job as Mercedes. I also enjoyed James Frain's performance as the Crown Prosecutor. The best performance has to be by Richard Harris. Harris's portrayal of the priest is excellent. The story itself will keep you glued to the screen from beginning to end and the fighting sequences are top notch. The only problem I had with the film, is that the adaptation did not really follow the book at all. However, the film still manages to be enjoyable, and in some instances, it is even better than the book. The supberb acting, thrilling action sequences, and overall story are responsible for making Count of Monte Cristo one of my all time favorite films. The DVD offers outstanding picture and sound quality, as well as some nice special features as well. This is definately a film that I consider a must own.
Rating:
Summary: A Pirate Flick It's Not
Review: This movie is loosely based on a book. Now that , that point is out of the way consider everything else about the movie itself. It includes everything else you need to keep you watching. There is good acting, good scenery, and a good plot. The worst part of the movie is the lack of thrills it provided when secrets were finally being let out. That's why this movie is not considered a thriller but a straight action flick.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent movie in its own right
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: Weak retelling of classic story
Review: I wanted to like this, I really did. There is a great cast, beautiful cinematography, costumes, swordfights etc...all the elements are there but it doesn't jell. I haven't read the original Dumas novel, but I have seen a couple of the previous versions of this story, so I know that not only are some critical plot elements sadly lacking, but the main theme of the novel -- that revenge is ultimately WRONG, however delicious -- has been butchered. I honestly realize that films need to be heavily adapted and compressed from their novel origins in order to make sense and not run for 100 hours. But the intent and purpose of the original author should be at least honored, if not literally followed word for word. The most serious flaw (besides messing up the whole revenge thing) is that this is a tale played out over the lifetimes of the characters...it has to be, to make dramatic sense. By "hurrying" it up, and refusing to age the very attractive, young cast members (James Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Dagmara Domincyzk, etc.) the sense of the story happening over a lifetime is utterly lost. Even the styles of the costumes do not change, although more than 16 years have elapsed. Edmund Dantes "disguises" himself as the Count of Monte Cristo merely by growing a beard! and his hair isn't even slightly gray athough he is in his mid-40s or later. Mercedes never passes a day over 25...get me her moisturizer, PLEASE. Because so little is at state emotionally, there is no payoff at the end and since the theme has been butchered, Edmund learns nothing about revenge OR mercy, making his lengthy odyssey meaningless. What's good? Again, gorgeous location filming and sets. Some good cameos in smaller parts (Michael Wincott is wonderful as the warden of Chateau D'If, with all the most amusing lines but as the character is utterly invented for this version of the story, you can't help but think that he has wandered over from another, better movie somewhere.) The DVD is total eye candy, with beautiful graphics and some great extra features. This is the ultimate proof, I think, that a good movie is 9/10th a good script. The DVD interview with conceited & self-important screenwriter Jay Wolpert is evidence enough where this project went awry -- Mr. Wolpert clearly thinks he has it all over Dumas and is pleased as punch with how he has altered the classic story to his own way of thinking. NOT. In conclusion...a forgettable disapointment.
Rating: 
Summary: Not worth your money
Review: I found the movie extremely disappointing. I realize the moviemakers needed to pare down a 800-page book to two hours of film, but there wasn't much of original Dumas in it. I waited for the interesting part to start, but having read the book, found that the movie 1) shamelessly changed characters' relationships, 2) made away with the social norms of the time, 3) twisted Dumas' plot to an unforgiveable extent and 4) generally killed any relation with the excellent book. There was needless violence and convenient additions to the movie that provided shortcuts from one situation to the next but robbed the film of the intricacies that were possible. I want to see BBC do a 10-part series of the Count of Monte Cristo. A two-hour movie just doesn't cut it.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Swashbuckling Tail
Review: This is definetly not Dumas Count of Monte Cristo. It doesn't follow the book close at times and is far fetched from it at others. It is however a great movie and a great way to introduce this young generation to Dumas. The Count of Monte Cristo tells the tale of Edmund Dantes. A man that is imprisoned for a crime by his best friend Fernand Mondego that he did not commit. He spends 13 years in jail at the Chateau'If.(thats not how you spell it but it's close enough for me) It's there that Edmund meets a fellow prisonman that trains him in literature, economics, and swordplay. Dantes gets out of jail then goes a spree for revenge to get the men who put him jail. This is a great story of revenge. Jim Cavaziel is perfects as Dantes. He does a great job. He has a swagger and plays Edmund great when he poor and when he's rich. He shows his abilities as a good actor because of the different levels to the character. I'm really impressed with him and hope to see him more in the future. Guy Pearce is good as Fernadn Mondego. I was first impressed with Pearce in L.A. Confidential. It's good to see him finally showing his acting abilities again. He plays a great bad guy. You can't stand his character and that's because Pearce plays him so good. This is an awesome tail of revenge. If your a diehard Dumas fan you won't like this. I'd reccommend the Richard Chamberlin version for you. However if you like a fast paced tail of revenge full of swashbuckling this is the film for you. It's a great action film that reminds us why we go to the movies: To Be Entertained. You'll like this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't judge a book by its movie
Review: Only an eternal optimist expects great things from a book-to-screen adaptation. This optimist expected at least good things from this 2002 version of Dumas' classic tale of revenge, mostly due to the casting of Guy Pearce and James Caviezel. But just a few short minutes into the film, it becomes apparent that this was going to be the "Count of Monte Cristo" in name only. In my view the power of the book rests in the character of Edmond Dantes (later the Count). In the film version, Monte Cristo is depicted as a rich fool, unable to command respect and totally devoid of subtlety: witness the deus ex machina hot air balloon entrance of the Count onto the Paris scene. How absurd! In Dumas' exquisite story, Monte Cristo wielded an unquestionable power over all he came in contact with. Quite the opposite is true of Caviazel's Cristo. But this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The movie lacks character development of even the few antagonists and protagonists it chose to include. As one reviewer noted, the book Monte Cristo was able turn his enemies into monkeys, while this film just makes a monkey of itself. Taken as completely separate from the book, this is a decent film. The acting, costume and set design, and action sequences are very respectable. This is an average movie in and of itself. It becomes less than average strictly because of its association with a sublime work of French literature, which is resembles not.
Rating:
Summary: Why Not Call It Something Else?
Review: If a director is going to take such a poetic license as in this film, then why even call the film by the title of the work it's loosely based on: probably because the movie wouldn't attract any one if it didn't. At best, this film is a very loose adaptation on Dumas' original story; very much like West Side Story is a very loose adaptation of Romeo and Juliette. The character of Edmond Dantes appears like a naive imbecil in this film. The other assortment of characters have also been completely changed or juggled around. For example, the movie makes Luigi Vampa the person saving Dantes from the prison when, in reality, Dantes meets him much later in Italy long after he has recovered the treasure. These kinds of deviations distort the story to such a degree that it's just not the same story anymore. The acting was weak and the action very light; this movie is definitely worth skipping.
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