Originally published in the UCD College Tribune, 2002

When naive sailor Edmond Dantes is framed by his jealous best friend, Fernand Mondego he vows revenge. Whilst incarcerated on the island prison of Chateau d’If, Edmond learns of valuable treasures with which he can bury the identity of Edmond Dantes. He re-emerges in French society as the wealthy Count of Monte Cristo and begins to exact his revenge.

Directed by Kevin “Robin Hood: Prince of Theives” Reynolds and adapted from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, “The Count of Monte Cristo” does not take itself too seriously, it swashbuckles, cavorts and explodes with tongue firmly in cheek.

Jim Caveizel follows in the footsteps of Gerard Depardieu as Edmond Dantes and gracefully leads the cast. He is almost outdone however, by the wonderfully camp Mondego (Guy Pearce) who struts, pouts and flounces his way through the film, sporting a succession of increasingly bouffant hair-do’s (or don’ts). Richard Harris is true to form as the Abbe Faria and he provides some comic relief from the depressing prison scenes (especially his first entrance). The Count’s wise cracking sidekick Jacopo (Luis Guzman) also lightens the load.

The sword fights are fast and furious, the sets and scenery, lavish and decadent. Kevin Reynolds appeals to the twelve year old boy in all of us and takes us on a whirling voyage of fantasy. Caviezel’s first entrance as the Count is worth the entry fee alone and it was partly filmed in our very own Ardmore Studios, which adds a little something for the Irish viewers. My only reservation about the film is, it seems very long, and some of the younger viewers may not be able to stay the course.

The Count of Monte Cristo, reason enough to forgive Kevin Reynolds for “Waterworld”? It is for me.