anonymous

(2012-04-28 20:38:24)

It tries, but it's Hollywood, and not Dumas

I couldn't help thinking, despite a respect for the talents of Mssrs.Depardieu, Byrne, Irons and Malkovich, not forgetting Mms. Parillaud andGodreche, that if it had been entirely a French production, it would havebeen immeasurably better.It isn't Dumas, but then the novel is so long and rambling as to bevirtually impossible to film. This is a well-enough crafted film with apacy plot and plenty of expected swashbuckling, but it plays fast andloosewith some vital facts about our beloved musketeers and never quite tradesits patina of Hollywood gloss for something approaching SeventeenthCenturyFrance.I preferred Lester's attempts at conveying Dumas on screen in theSeventies,which captured the spirit of the original novel, but Lester was sensibleandchose the original 'Three Musketeers', which blazed a trail in terms oftoneand pace that Dumas himself couldn't match in his successive fournovels.If you like Errol Flynn, watch this. If you are a fan of the Musketeers,orthe genre, read the books, watch the Lester films or see one of the manymodern French swashbucklers instead.

artzau

(2012-04-28 06:06:54)

****SPOILER WARNING!!**** THIS FILMS STINKS!

How can a guy who wrote a winner (Braveheart) and 5 fine actors, Bryne,Depardieu, Irons and Curry and one mediocre wannabe, DiCaprio, take a great,classic story by Dumas and turn it into a limp parody of an adventure film.UGH! Scenes where DiCaprio makes his bland transitions from the bad guyinto the good guy are bad enough, but when Depardieu goes to hang himselfand mutters, "Goodbye, cruel world," only to fall on his tush, is ghastly. And, Tim Curry's Snidley Whiplash version of the Cardinal only need to say,"Heh-heh, Heh!" to fill in the gaps. Bryne, Irons and Malkovich must havebeen paid a lot of money to do this dog. But, they did little service tothe film industry or medium in doing so. This film was made for the teenageset and even adds a teenage king and queen to an already limp storyline thatis merely a whisper of the fine original story. But, for those of us whohave seen some very fine productions of the original Dumas story, this isdisappointing to the max. It would do well for some of those younghormone-driven kids who found DiCaprio's flouncy performance "awesome," toread the original and then see this shallow characture.

(2012-04-27 19:02:38)

Man In The Comic Mask

I must not have watched the same movie that others have. I found the movie laughable. Bad dialog, bad acting, and just plain silly. I have seen other versions of this story that are far better than this one. I have never thought much of DiCillio's acting abilities, and this movie only reinforces that opinion. Just awful. Waste of time.

(2012-04-27 09:28:53)

I want to see The man in the iron mask video.

I realy want to see The man in the iron mask whole video

Eva Jonsson

(2012-04-26 16:03:05)

A bad movie

I was really captured by Leonardo DiCaprio's performance in Titanic, and Iplanned to go to the cinema to watch this film. I'm glad that I didn't go.It was a huge disappointment. Maybe the actors had a bad season, becausethey were really...I can't find the words for it.My vote would have been 2 out of 10 but the clothes and surroundings werebeautiful so I voted a weak 3.Don't see this movie, it's a waste of time!

(2012-04-26 03:39:41)

Great Acting

The rolls played by Gabriel Byrne (D'Artagnan), Jeremy Irons (Aramis), John Malkovich (Athos) and Gerard Depardieu (Porthos) were very well done. I felt what they said, and I recommend this movie to anyone. Brilliant costumes. The plot was very easy to follow and anyone who sees this movie will love/hate Leonardo DiCaprio. All actors and actresses were VERY convincing!

(2012-04-22 10:17:59)

Nowhere near ........................

This film is interesting at first but then if begins to sag like a souffle. Leonardo is just too cute to be Louis IV. He made the king look like he was twelve. The movie is not interesting in the sense that it doesn't show Louis's character in detail or Phillipe's. It had little action as well. The French mustv'e laughed at this film. Leo looks nowhere near the real king! It's amazing how a director hires "a popular actor" to make some quick kaching$$. Now the costumes are wonderful and the scenery as well but even this could not save this film.

(2012-04-22 03:23:10)

Not half bad...

It would have been a lot better with a real actor playing Louis XIVinstead of Leonardo Dicaprio. What a dud! His acting was wooden and hispronunciation of D'Artagnan's name horrid; the others in the filmmanaged it OK. DiCaprio managed to sound like he was from New Jersey.Other than that, it was not a bad flick. Most of the actors worked welltogether. The character Porthos was especially engaging. I'd recommendseeing the film, though I'd have to say that it is less of a "film"than it is a "movie," meaning that it is less art than entertainment, asort of a 17th Century Western/James Bond blend and not to be taken tooseriously. Especially considering Dicaprio's performance.

friedfysh

(2012-04-20 10:26:13)

Criminally Underrated Musketeer Film

This film is one of my all time favourites yet for some reason it hasreceived some very harsh reviews. I first saw the film when it wasreleased in the cinema and loved it so much I went to see it again andhave watched it on VHS and DVD countless times since. Firstly manythanks to Writer/Director Randall Wallace (the bloke who wroteBraveheart)for crafting such a compelling tale. In the film LeonardoDiCaprio (a fine actor who frequently suffers criticism for beingpretty) plays King Louis XIV of France and his imprisoned twin brotherPhilipe. King Louis is a cruel tyrant who cares only for himself andnot for his people. Retired Musketeers Athos, Aramis and Porthos hatcha plan to replace the King and try to enlist the help of their friend(and Captain of the King's Musketeers) D'Artagnan for their scheme.Unfortunately for them D'Artagnan feels it his duty to remain loyal tothe King even though he recognises his failures and so he tries toprevent the Musketeers plan from coming to fruition. There are manyinteresting twists and turns as well as a clever revelation that I willnot spoil here. The acting in the film is great. This being the bestbunch of Musketeers ever assembled for a film in my opinion (Yes I'veseen the Michael York/ Oliver Reed etc ones). Jeremy Irons has greatpresence as Aramis here leading the Musketeers. John Malkovich is goodin the most sympathetic role I've seen him do as Athos. GerardDepardieu seems born to play Porthos and lastly Gabriel Byrne fits thebill perfectly as a more mature D'Artagnan. I don't really haveanything bad to say about this film, my only minor niggle is that thereare some scenes I feel may have benefited from a larger budget. Ialways enjoy watching a good sword fight on screen and to be honesthere you may not find anything in that way as thrilling as say,Gladiator but in my opinion this is the superior film of the two. Ifyou haven't already seen The Man in the Iron Mask I suggest you rent itsoon.All for one..

moviefan2k4

(2012-04-19 23:18:03)

The Adventure Continues...

Leonardo DiCaprio, John Malkovich, Jeremy Irons, Gabriel Byrne, andGerard Depardieu display the continuation of a legendary tale known as"The Three Musketeers".The year is 1662, and Louis XIV, the King of France, has become a crueland heartless heir to the throne. He seduces young women galore, onlyto discard them at a moment's notice. He abuses his power, orderingthat spoiled food be given to the people, instead of the fresh amountsbeing reserved for the French Army. The citizens of France riot in thestreets, and aging heroes Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D'Artagnan havelong since parted ways.Aramis is now a priest, seeking retribution for his sins. Porthos, everthe womanizer, has grown old and fears becoming useless. Athos livespeacefully with his son Raoul, and D'Artagnan has become apained-but-loyal servant to a King unworthy of the title or the glory.But when Louis commits an unthinkable crime by sending Raoul to thefront lines to die so he may court the man's fiancГѓВ© Christine forhimself, Aramis hatches a plan to restore the honor of France...byreplacing its king with another. Locked deep in the dungeons lies aprisoner with no name, known only as the Man in the Iron Mask.Six years earlier, this man was condemned to life in prison by KingLouis XIII, for one reason alone: his face was that of Louis XIVhimself, in fact a twin brother. Made to disappear for the sake ofpeace for France, but imprisoned by the elder King for fear ofdiscovery, this twin has never known why he was condemned...until now.Trained by the aging Musketeers in an elaborate deception, the manknown as "Phillipe" replaces his brother, but is soon caught in thecrossfire when the plan backfires, pitting friends, comrades, royalty,and devotion against each other in a battle for the honor and integrityof France.

Thomas Brown

(2012-04-19 09:59:38)

Some Fine Elements-----BAD SCRIPT!!!!!

Well I am a Dumas fan, I read through the first two in the series someyearsback("The Three Musketeers" and "Twenty Years After") and found them to besome of the most enjoyable literature I've read. I stopped for quite sometime after finishing "Twenty Years After" and have only now started(forgivethe spelling) "Raul de' Bragellone", the first of three making up "The Manin the Iron Mask". Well I've made it through the first 120pages and thebookseems to stay true to the series in character developement and style, so Ithink I'm qualified to make my Critique. First of all I'd like to simplystate that Gabriel Byrne and Jeremy Irons are incredible and perfectlysuited for the parts of D'Artagnan and Aramis. As for Deperdiu andMalcovichthey don't seem to posses the right charisma for their roles. Athos is thewisest, bravest, and most reveried of the group apart from D'Artagnan, Heisa Count with some of the highest decorations obtainable for anyone undertheKind himslef, including the Holy Ghost. He is quite bluntly Nobility.Porthos is strong, proud, and an excellent companion, also of modestnobility. He is not some bumbling, foolish, love-making, old fart. Nor isAthos some old, mentally unstable, unloyal, farmer. Athos would neverdreamof killing D'Artagnan, their friendship is unbreakable. D'Artagnan doesnothave an affair with the queen of France, he is in love with a servant ofhers who is tragically murdered by poison in a convent. The movie seems tocondesend to the general film audience-----Joe Movie-Goer and family willfind this movie to be filled with family fun. The true Dumas fan will findthe script quite flawed however. Anyway that's my rant, In all my 14 yearsof existence have I scene such a classic so brutally butchered into thiscondensed, unaccurate piece of filth. Dumas is most certainly rolling overin his grave. As for any pros, Good costumes, adequate fight scenes, andgood acting on the parts of D'Artagnan and Aramis. I'll re-itterate themajor con, BAD SCRIPT!!!!!

Sax

(2012-04-19 02:53:24)

The Movie Sting,Adams,& Stewarts'"All For One" belongs with.

Leonardo is always great in whatever he does,but this moviehadan all out grand cast of acting.The story keeps you intrigued,and routing for the good guy.It's a chilling love story and a story oftrueloyalty, of the 3 Musketeers ,towards their real king vs what's right andwrong.Now! Leonardo plays two charactersin this film and has you convinced he's two separate people;Dr. Jekyl & Mr.Hyde.The music is great and filming-verymature.If you like long (about 3 hrs)but Awesome movies,don't missit.

Lyn Ferguson

(2012-04-12 23:07:54)

Awesome, Riveting,Exciting

I found this movie to be one of the best I`ve seenin many years!!John Malkovich was awesome as Athos. He trulyshowed his talent in this movie! I only wishthere had been more!He made you feel he WAS Athosand not just an actor playing a part. The emotionshe showed from loving with Raoul, to anger atD`Artangan and Louis were most convincing!Jeremy Irons was excellant. I very much enjoyedhis portrayal of Aramis. His expressions werePriceless.I have watched this movie several times and enjoy itmore each time!priceless!

manoxa101

(2012-04-12 10:48:09)

Leonardo DiCaprio - Too Hot for any Mask :)

I simply love movies that can entertain and yet, throw some nuggets ofwisdom to the viewers.Man in the Iron Mask has couple of dialogues that are like sayings froma wise sage. Rather than reveal anything here, I suggest that you seethe flick and hear these for yourself.Here's a good story, music, costumes, art direction, sword fights andalso cracking performances from the four musketeers Gabriel Byrne asD'Artagnan, Gerard Depardieu as Porthos, John Malkovich as Athos,Jeremy Irons as Aramis and also Leonardo DiCaprio as KingLouise/Phillipe. I truly felt that Leo's acting was outstanding. EvenJohn Malkovich & Gabriel Byrne were class.Some of the lead actors like Judith Godreche as Christine(King Louise'sfancy) was average, which was a little disappointing. Besides that,everything in this flick clicks.Verdict: Here's a castle-age movie that you'll never be bored of. Allfor one, one for all :)

(2012-04-05 06:38:22)

A very entertaining movie. Buy it today, right now.

Now, I fully understand that the acting could have been a little bit better but in spite of that the movie is really very good. The characters are well written and the story moves at a fast pace. It is a great action adventure/love story that will entertain all. For those who complain about it not being true to the book or historically accurate get a life, it's just a movie. If you want to be entertained for two hours watch this, if you want a history lesson watch this History Channel.

(2012-04-04 15:22:39)

there is more of my to love than a crown

I think this movie was a really cool story but it was not all real but what made it worth seeing was Leonardo DiCaprio.

kary

(2012-03-27 19:33:27)

Most wonderful I have ever seen

The film is wonderful, the action is perfect, and the costumes was nice. Thedirection is emotionally talking very strong as so is the adaptation of thestory. Congratulations to Mr. Wallace and the main actors, including LeonardoDiCaprio, who has a very good act by differing Louis andPhillipe.The movie changed completely I view of the Art of Films.Amazingly wonderful.

(2012-03-27 04:27:45)

Overshadowed by Titanic

This is the best movie of the century, not Titanic. I had had seen this movie before, when I thought that Leo was cool, but then I relized that I would have loved it whether Leo had been in it or not. He is a great actor though, and you can totally see that when he plays a double role, because he is so different when he is Louie, and then the scene changes to Philleppe. My favorite scene is the one: "What is Porthos doing?" "Walking into the barn naked." (Without any surprise in his voice) I was in gales of laughter at that one.

(2012-03-21 05:51:02)

Great Escapism

If you want the whole story in all of its rich texture and subtlety, read the book. If you want to kick back with your buttered popcorn and watch four truly great actors ply their craft, watch the movie. (Sorry, Leo, this review ain't about you. Congrats on "Titanic," nice work in "Gilbert Grape," but Irons, Byrne, Malkovich and Depardieu stole this movie from you and ran off like thieves in the night.) I love the themes of friendship and loyalty that color every scene with the Musketeers. I could not get enough of the scenery and costumes. And of course, any action fan worth his theater-size Goobers will tell you there's nothing better than a good swordfight--and the movie delivers (if the scene of their final charge at the Bastille does not raise at least one goosebump, check your pulse AND your sense of adventure!). More than that, it is wonderful fun to watch these four men have a great time on screen. Watch this, them track down other films by these artists(one of the best, "Cyrano de Bergerac" starring Gerard Depardieu, is harder to find, and not yet available in the US on DVD--something I hope will change soon).If you are the sort who loftily points out every omission and error in movie adaptations of classic literature, look elsewhere. If you want to dive into a really fun "summer" movie, come on over and pass the popcorn!

(2012-03-20 20:00:47)

A bit disappointing for DiCaprio and Malkovich fans alike

Since this movie was made in 1998, Leonardo DiCaprio has shed his boyishness, but in this movie he just does not have the gravitas to pull off the role of the sadistic and selfish Louis XIV, or his identical twin, Philippe. I think he could pull off this part now, after "Gangs of New York," but 5+ years ago he wasn't ready.It is especially bothersome to see him play such a part opposite such known heavyweight actors as John Malkovich, Jeremy Irons, and Gerard Depardieu, each of whom plays one of the famed (but retired) Musketeers once bound to serve the king, but now determined to rescue his twin Phillippe and place him on the throne of France in Louis' stead. Even when the script means for them to be light-hearted, these fellows are sullen and malevolent, making poor Leonardo look like a pouting teenager.The production values and direction are good, actually, so if all you are hankering for is a decent swashbuckler, you will be reasonably satisfied. But the plot is Swiss Cheese (miraculous escape from torrents of bullets, secret identities revealed and then never mentioned again) that just doesn't hold together the way you might hope.