Reel Critics

Peggy Rogers

Betrayed by his trusted childhood friend, Mondego, Edmund Dantes

survives his ordeal fueled by his burning desire for revenge.

The son of a poor man, Dantes (James Caviezel -- “Angel Eyes,”

“Frequency”) has earned the rank of sea captain and won the heart of the

beautiful Mercedes (Dagmara Dominczyk), whom he plans to marry. Edmund’s

accomplishments create a blinding jealousy in his friend Mondego. Rich

and spoiled in nature, Mondego seizes upon an opportunity to have Edmund

imprisoned and take Mercedes as his own. Played by Guy Pearce

(“Memento”), Mondego does a good job playing a bad guy the audience loves

to boo and hiss.

Adapted from Alexander Duma’s classic, “The Count of Monte Cristo” is

set in France during a time of political intrigue and corruption near the

end of Napelons’ exile in Elba. A time when innocent men were whisked

away to prison in the middle of the night on the whim of a self-serving

police magistrate, Dorleac. Or so we’re are led to believe.

Directed by Kevin Reynolds (“Waterworld,” “Robin Hood Prince of

Thieves”), the remake of Dumas’ classic tale contains many elements of

good old-fashioned swashbuckling films from before 1950. Political coups,

sword fights, pirates, extravagant parties beyond our imagination and

family secrets are incorporated throughout Edmund’s plight over the

course of 16 years.

Supporting actor Luiz Guzman, playing the trusted companion Jacobo,

enhances the quality of the movie. Providing the comic relief as well as

the voice of reason to offset Edmund’s plot of revenge, the character

provides another reason for enjoying the film.

The “Count of Monte Cristo” is an action-adventure film for the

family. Though somewhat corny and old-fashioned, all the pieces come

together for an engaging and entertaining few hours.* PEGGY J. ROGERS,

39, produces commercial videos and documentaries.