The Count of Monte Cristo

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, wonderful adaptation
Review: Alexandre Dumas's incomparable romantic classic The Count of Monte Cristo was one of the books that, long ago, caused me to fall in love with literature (particularly classics), and remained my favorite book for years and years. I simply had to see this film on the book's merit alone, but, truth be told, I wasn't expecting too much. The blasphemous irrevelancy of modern Hollywood and the great disservice that is routinely performed by them on literary work of note, coupled with the negative (and, in retrospect, highly, highly unfair) review of the movie in Rolling Stone, led me into the theater with somewhat reserved expectations. Man, was I pleasantly surprised! This is a masterly, masterly adaptation of Dumas's novel. It doesn't make the mistake most modern movies make: that of straying too far from the book, and foolishly attempting to "modernize" its story (taking away what made it great in the first place) for our modern, beer-guzzling, short attention span audience. It stays remarkably close to the book, although it does add some nice twists that weren't in there originally. Inevitably, some bits or shortened or compressed; but that is only logical, as the book is a mere 1,500 pages. This actually only serves to make the movie better as a movie, as it makes the plot very tight, and about as fast-paced as a story this epic can allow itself to be without being constrained. Everything about the movie screams of quality. The sets are beautiful, and the cinematography is excellent. The cast is absolutely amazing. Cavaziel in the lead role is clearly a great talent, and this may prove to be his breakout role. Guy Pearce (who I'm also looking forward to seeing in The Time Machine) is excellent as the villain as well. The leading lady, who plays Mercedes (God help me; I can't spell her name right now) is beautiful and stunning in her role as well. This is quite simply a splendid adaptation. It reminds you of an old-fashioned movie, the kind that Hollywood used to turn out in the golden era, when people used to make MOVIES. An absolute must-see, highly, highly reccommended.

Rating:
Summary: The Count is INCREDIBLE!
Review: OK-so I saw this with no preconceived notions. In fact, I did not even read the book so I was not familiar with the plot. Oh-what a story it was! James Caviezel (Frequency)was amazing-and so deliciously handsome. It told the story of life-how Edmund Dantes was blessed with good fortune in his early years-had everything anyone could dream of. And then, through betrayal of a friend whose own petty jealousness clouded any judgement of reason whatsoever,tries to take everything that Edmund had-basically his life. Edmund gets convicted for treason and murder yet has committed neither. He gets put in a prison to spend the rest of his life waiting to die. Years go by and his faith wanes. He even thinks of killing himself but the insightful inscription of God on the wall prevents him. Everything seems to make no sense. How? Why? He is in constant search of answers, and the truth. God does show up in the form of an old but wise Priest who is also an inmate. Through their union Edmund learns to read, to write, to fight, and to discover the riches of Monte Cristo. You get the set up now-right? Well, the bottom line is that one minute life can be the most glorious experience ever and the next it can be taken away in an instant. Through faith and hope, all things will fall into their rightful place, no matter how bleak they seem. In the end, love rules over hate and vengence. For the power of love can be the greatest strength of all. And, through all of it is the hope that God will come through for us, even at our lowest point and in our darkest hour. It is this that inspires me so. Oh what a brilliant movie. I cannot wait to own a copy myself!

Rating:
Summary: A rare safe bet for the universal movie-lover
Review: I went to see this with extremely high expectations. I have never read the novel, but know quite a bit about it from my friend who has read it 11 times, it being his favorite book. When I saw the trailers with Guy Pearce, I went nuts over it. It was intense, one of the best previews I've seen. Guy Pearce, the insanely talented star of Memento and L.A. Confidential, drew me in most, but the visuals and the classic story from Dumas were large factors as well. I wanted to see it more than any movie I could think of. When I finally did see it on its opening weekend, I felt there could only be disappointment. I was wrong. It is rare that a movie can create great expectations and manage to fulfill them so thoroughly and absolutely. I will start off by saying Guy Pearce is excellent, but I don't want to talk about him anymore. The movie stands well above his sole performance. Kevin Reynolds is a genius. The cinematography is literally mindblowing. Every French coast and 19th century ballroom and staggering duel and heated dialogue is shot with jaw-dropping precision and flamboyance. Jim Caviezel is another undeniable element of success in the film. Previously, I had seen his star debut in The Thin Red Line. Controversial and highly anticipated comeback from acclaimed director Terrence Malick, I despised it. It was long boring and preachy. Anyone who has seen it has either loved or hated it. I hated it. I felt that Jim Caviezel was talented, but I refused to admit it. I hated him. He then came out in Frequency. I was hardly interested. Then came Angel Eyes. Ugh! I thought. I etched him out of my memory before seeing Monte Cristo. By the end, I would not be able to erase him from memory ever again. He was stunning. An impeccable performance more resolute and dynamic than that of my favorite australian, Pearce. The mental, emotional, physical, and mechanical changes in the character of Edmond Dantes were brilliantly brought to life by Caviezel's immense talent. Every classical element of film, as well as of storytelling, is projected in this wondrous adventure. Revenge is but one vital aspect of its nature. My passion for writing and film has made me an aspiring screenwriter. Films like the Count of Monte Cristo are what fuel my desire to achieve this ambition. Films like the Count of Monte Cristo are what cause me gasp and reevaluate the merits of my thought process and writing ability.

Rating:
Summary: A Real Classic
Review: A must see movie. It keeps you interested thoughout the whole 2 hours and 11 minutes. I haven't seen any of the other versions but this one has to be the best. Of all the movies this movie is well worth seeing. It's beautifully done. My husband is very critical of movies but he really enjoyed this movie, too.

Rating:
Summary: the must-see movie of the year
Review: jim caviezel is a greek [stud]! the movie is the best with great fighting scenes, revenge, betrayal, and humor!

Rating:
Summary: 10 stars!!!!!!
Review: totally recommended for everyone! its the hottest ticket in town! you'd want to see it over and over! plus jim caviezel is totally hotttttttttt!!!

Rating:
Summary: #1 movie of the year
Review: best movie of the year! has everything you need in a movie-betrayal, great fight scenes, humor, and romance

Rating:
Summary: A Solid film
Review: This movie is exactly what i wanted to see. A moving drama laced with comedy, a visual feast and most importantly, a movie utilizing the brilliance of Jim Cavieziel and Guy Pearce. It doesn't dissapoint. The acting is superb, and of course the story is one the best ever devised. I cannot recommend this movie any stronger.

Rating:
Summary: Decent 2 hour adaptation
Review: The latest adaptation of the classic novel will probably appeal more to people who have not read the book and therefore can't nitpick the details. However, since this book is my all time favorite, I was nitpicking the details throughout. Many characters and plotlines are omitted, but it's understandable considering that they can't make the movie 8 hours long. My biggest complaint was with the ending which is nothing like the book. All this criticism aside, the movie is well produced and acted and if you go in with an open mind for adventure and revenge you will be satisfied.

Rating:
Summary: You didn't think I'd make it that easy?
Review: It's a long story about revenge. He gets sent to jail. Evently he escapes and finds the treasure of Spira. Wealth is not enough for this man, he had to get his revenge and that's when this story gets interesting. Nepolien is in it to.