Rating: 
Summary: Leisurely Paced Adaptation of Dumas' Classic Revenge Story
Review: As you know, we have seen Dumas's novels adapted for the screen during the recent ten years: Charlie Sheen's "Three Musketeers", Leo's "The Man in Iron Mask", and well, not-so-good "The Musketeer" starring beautiful Mena Suvari. Plus, we have French version of "Count of Monte Cristo" starring Gerald Depardieu, so why do we need another one?The truth is, this new UK-Ireland production "Count of Monte Cristo" should be justified for it is a better-than-average revenge story, based on the famous story written by Alexander Dumas (elder), whose stories were bestsellers more than 150 years ago, and still retain its power before us. Everyone must know, directly or indirectly, the story of Edmond Dantes, who is imprisoned for more than 10 years at the Chateau D'If on a lonely island on the Mediterranean Sea even though he is totally innocent. The film follows his plight and revenge on those who are behind the scheme to putting him in jail. But one thing must be said: no one can write a faithful screenplay of Dumas if he/she is trying to make it onto the big screen, and probably does not need to. First of all, it is well-known (and Dumas himself openly admitted) that Dumas didn't write all of his prorific works by himself. He had several "parters" to help him write. Anyway, if you need a truly faithful film, it would require more than, say, 7 or 8 hours, and even Dumas' comparatively shorter novels like "Black Tulip" would make a 4 hour movie. So, abridging the original is inevitable, and this version does it well. I do not say it is perfect -- especially the latter half loses its momentum -- but the gist of the tale is still there: that is, revenge is sweet (even though the film could have made it much sweeter). Edmond Dantes is played by Jim Caviesel ("Angel Eyes" and "Thin Red Line") and his subdued acting would receive mixed reviews though I find it good. Guy Pearce is effectively cast as his old friend Mondego, but his talent could be made use of more with different director's hand. Actually, director Kevin Reynolds, who directed Kevin Conster's "Robin Hood", has shown the same habit of making the film longer than it should be, and of digressing a little in the middle of crutial scenes. Many reviewers take his trait as a sign of old-fashioned swashbuckling films, but I simply didn't think so. You will be the judge. It would be unanimously agreed that it is late Richard Harris (known now as the kindly principle of Harry Potter's school), who makes the film really lively and fascinating. From his very unique entrance into Dantes' cell, his character as a long-imprisoned priest attracts every viewer, and if you don't like too sadistic Michael Wincott's governer or too ineffect heroine Mercedes, Harris single-handedly saves the film from the predictable development of story. Overall, this "Count of Monte Cristo" is too slow (or I should say, goes leisurely). But it is the result of calculation, and though the film does tend to slacken its pace when it should not, the good acting and beautiful, convincing localations would make you forget that. But of course, the best story about Edmond Dantes is told by Dumas himself. If you buy this one, buy his book, too.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent, better than the originals.
Review: James Caviezel is magnificent as the Count of Monte Cristo, he exudes the innocence and then the confidence of the newly formed Count. Guy Pierce as his nemesis also does as well in his role. You can really despise him. There is not a misstep in the entire cast. I watched this movie years ago when Richard Chamberlain played the Count and I have to give hats off to this version. I had not remembered the story completely and I'm sure it was embellished further here. Especially done well was all the explanations why various things happened. It is too often lost in this type of movie and hard to follow. Here it was very well presented and easy to follow, without a narrative. The years in prison were excellently portrayed, as well as the path to his fortune. Not one scene was extraneous and it was timed to perfection. If you've seen the story, you know the ending.... Well done once again.
Rating: 
Summary: Should be Locked in Chatueau D'If!
Review: Classics remain beloved for hundreds of years because they are wonderfully crafted and contain universal truths that still speak to us. The director and producer of this condescending adaptation of Dumas' classic story must feel that the modern American audience doesn't have the intelligence to appreciate great classic works. Oh, the basic story line is there--man is wronged, man goes to prison, man escapes, man finds treasure, man seeks revenge. But that is where the homage to this great work ends and the often ridiculous changes are made. I know that it is cliche to say that the movie is not as good as the book. In this case, however, I can't believe they actually had the audacity to call the movie by the same name as the classic novel which it so minimally follows. One can excuse some adaptations of a novel when produced as a screenplay, but the changes made in this case lose all the beauty and terrible power of the original story. Instead of a wonderful slow burn with a lot of atmosphere as Dantes slowly and painstakingly weaves a web of revenge for the wrongs done to him, we have stupid devices like a flamboyant entry in a hot air balloon, complete with Cirque du Soleil acrobats twisting on the ropes. Instead of an intricate plan to destroy the personages who wronged him, we have swashbuckling sword fights every few scenes. Some major characters are missing completely (such as Valentine) some have been shamelessly changed and substituted (Jacopo for Ali). The final plot device is totally contrived and NOT in the book--we find out that Dantes has a son sired on Mercedes before he was arrested. I guess the screenwriters felt they had to put some sex in the story or no one would like it. I awaited this production eagerly; having now seen it I feel disgusted and insulted. If you want to see an intelligent production of the Count of Monte Cristo, avoid this movie like the Black Death. It would be better to lock the DVD in the Chateau D'If. If you haven't read the book, you may enjoy it, since you won't be dissapointed by what is lacking. It does have good scenery and filming, although some of the acting is terrible (Jacopo especially). To the director and producers: for shame. Nearly everything about this movie was wrong, wrong, wrong. Give the American audience some credit for pity's sake. We can appreciate great works just as they are.
Rating: 
Summary: Typical Hollywood Delivery
Review: If you loved the book by Dumas, don't waste your time on the movie. Hollywood has done it again! Destroyed a magnificent literary classic and rewrote the plot line to satisfy a box office public. I actually asked for my money back at the box office! It was like watching a train wreck!
If you've never read the book or don't care about watching an adaptation, by all means - watch this movie. The action is fast paced. The costumes and scenery are beautiful. Guy Pearce is fine as Mondego. James Caviezel is a marvelous Dantes. It's a shame that Hollywood couldn't take the time or energy to do the book justice. All they carried over from the book is the VERY BASIC plot IDEA and the names of some of the principal characters. They couldn't even get the occupations or history of the villains correct. Danglars was Morrel's agent on board, not Mondego. Mondego was not a count's son. He was a distant cousin of Mercedes. Dantes never met Napoleon ... for starters. I knew in the first 5 minutes that this was not going to be remotely faithful to Dumas' classic. If you want to see a richer adaptation, watch Richard Chamberlain's or Gerard Depardieu's portrayal of Dantes. They are far superior versions!!! I personally have over 750 movies on DVD and VHS, everything from contemporary to classic films. I would not have this one in my collection if you paid me! Again, don't waste your time or money on this one ...
Rating:
Summary: Use this movie for teaching!
Review: I have used the DVD "The Counte Of Monte Cristo" in religion class to give the teenage students a deeper understanding about 'Sins' and 'Virtues'.
The character of Fernand Mondego is an example of a sinful man who is filled with: pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed and sloth. On the 'virtuous' side is the character 'Edmond Dantes' he displays the virtues of: humility, kindness, abstinence, chastity, patience, liberality and diligence.
The movie poses some great topics for the students to dialogue over and they are excited to discuss it in class. I would however, show this movie in short segments of 30 minutes. There is plenty of material to keep your class in discussions for several weeks.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous Entertainment!
Review: This is, by far, the best rendition for the big screen of the novel by Dumas (although it's not 100% close to the book) and, by far, one of the best movies in recent years.
What other movie do you remember going to, where, at the end, while the titles scroll, a roar of applause comes from the audience? I've lended my DVD to a few skeptic friends and all not only liked the movie, they LOVED IT!
Wonderfully acted, with wonderful scenery, this movie truly deserves more credit that it has gotten. STARS hands down!
Rating:
Summary: Best film of this century.
Review: What an awesome film!! Jim Caviezel makes you cheer for Dantes, especially when he "moves in for the kill" against Villefort and Mondego. Guy Pearce is excellent as Mondego. Every character was well chosen right down to the prison warden. I read a few reviews that were bad and I'm convinced that no movie would satisfy those critics. A very fun, clean movie.
Rating:
Summary: Ladies-This one you've GOT to see!
Review: Guys don't get it. Male film critics didn't either. But female moviegoers did! This is a good, old-fashioned romance-adventure that everyone can see, from your grandmother to your children. It's about time, Hollywood! Every actor is splendid from the lead (James Cavaziel) who portrays Edmond Dantes (ladies, this actor is drop-dead gorgeous), to his true love, Mercedes (Dagmar Dominczynk), to the villain (Guy Pearce) and humorous turns by "Priest" (Richard Harris, his usual brilliant self), and the devoted friend, Luigi (JB Blanc) and the devoted servant (Luis Guzman). Swash buckling, revenge, even lessons learned and devotion to God. What a package! Buy it today. Will make a great stocking stuffer for your best friend, sister, cousin.
Rating:
Summary: Please, please don't watch this!
Review: I have recently begun to enjoy movie adaptations of some of my favorite novels; however, I was absolutly disgusted by this version of "The Counte of Monte Cristo." If you've read, and appreciated the novel, please do not waste time with the film. Although it was necessary to not include a large portion of the novel, for the sake of length, the cuts only detracted from the story. The brilliance of Dante's revenge was insipidly compacted into a few scenes; his renewal of the Morel's reduced to Dante simply throwing a bag of coins at M. Morel. As for Villefort and Danglers, they suffered the loss of their families without even having them in the first place. Villefort does not suffer from a murderous wife, or Danglers from an adulterous one. The most brilliant plot line--Benedetto, the illegitimate son of Mme. Danglers and M. Villefort--is completly erased. Caderousse, and Dante's alter egos (Abbe Busoni, the English lord, etc.) are also missing. Most disgusting of all is the rendering of Mondego's crimes. Rather than being guilty of betrayal of a man who had given him wealth--selling his wife and daughter into slavery after killing him--he is guilty murdering M. Nortier. Rather than the loss of honor and theatrical court room revelation, Mondego's downfall begins by a confession made by Villefort in a sauna! By the By, the romance between Maxmillian Morel and Valentine Villefort, so essential to Dante's renewal, is non-existant, as well as the characters. To cap it all off--Albert turns out to be Dante's son (explaining why Mercedes was so hasty in marrying Mondego), and Dante (after killing Ferdinand in a dual) gets together with Mercedes and Albert, and they live happily ever after on the Chateau D'If! So much for Heidi!
Rating:
Summary: This Counts as a Classic
Review: The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the best movies of this type (classic literature for the MTV age). I love it, and I teach high school English. While it is true that the movie sometimes strays far from the book, it still holds the same ideals of revenge, forgiveness, and faith. Fabulous!
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