Edmond Dantes appears to have the charmed life. He has a beautiful girl that he loves and that loves him back, he appears to have a booming career and he also has the friendship of many including his best friend Fernond. But that is all about to change, as his life is about to take a sudden downward spiral. On a journey back to his home Marseilles the captain of his merchant ship grows gravely ill. In an effort to save the life of the captain Edmond puts to shore on the Isle of Espa where Napoleon is exiled and risks his life to save his captains. For the services of Napoleon’s doctor he only asks Edmond one favor and that is for him to deliver a personal letter to an old friend when he gets into to port. Edmond reluctantly agrees and promises to tell no one of the letter even his best friend Fernond. But Fernond sees the letter exchange and his envious and jealous nature will not let the matter lie that Edmond kept a secret from him. When they arrive back at Marseilles everything seems to be ok and Edmond even purposes to Mercedes his love. But as they are celebrating their new engagement Edmond is arrested for high treason. It seems Napoleon was not so honest about the contents of the letter and they contained the troop movements of the English Dragoons stationed to guard the once emperor. Right before Edmond is about to be set free in his innocence the magistrate suddenly as him rearrested and sent to the most feared French prison. Even though the warden believes his innocence Edmond is still faced with a life as a prisoner to a new turn of unexpected events occur that may allow his freedom and even capture a legendary treasure of Sparta.

A tale of vengeance and revenge unlike no other and a legend in it self. Alexander Dumas’ books have been favorites for Hollywood producers to make into movies for years now. It is because the books are so action packed and contain such a wonderful story that they are always great candidates for movies in slow times. The Count of Monte Cristo is probably the best book by Dumas although, it is usually is The Three Musketeers that is produced the most for the big screen. Lately many of the Hollywood producers have tried to take a more comical approach to Dumas’ books with Disney’s version of The Three Musketeers and last summers The Musketeer. Gratefully they didn’t try to do this with the Count as although it can be funny at times these books were more meant as a thrill and adventure ride rather than a comedy. The movie was action packed from beginning to end the way it was meant to be with the occasional light and comical moment thrown in throughout. James Caviezel who plays the wronged hero of the movie did a marvelous job as Edmond as it was hard to not be impressed with his wonderful portrayal of a man seeking nothing more than revenge. If anything was lacking from the movie it was the shortness of the prison scenes, as it did not truly convey the 16 years spent there. The movie is action and adventure with elements of piracy, betrayal, swashbuckling and conspiracies all rolled into one. If your looking for a thrill ride this is the movie for you.
4 stars out of 5