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As a longtime
fan of the early ‘Musketeer’
films by Director Richard Lester, I was
highly skeptical when I recently had the
opportunity to see a brand new Musketeer
movie. All of the promotional information
on the film screamed cheesy. The title alone,
“La Femme Musketeer” was an
eye-roller, seeming as though it was ripping
off the superlative “La Femme Nikita”
film and series. Then there was the fact
that it was produced by Robert Halmi, Jr,
who has been behind some of the more lavish
Hallmark Entertainment remakes. You now…
the ones that are usually spread over two
or three night and only occasionally turn
out really good.
“La Femme Musketeer” is a shock,
a surprise, and a revelation. Past experience
should have taught me that I should never
judge a book by its cover. Throughout the
171 minute running time, I was transported
back in time, and once again allowed to
enjoy the adventures of the Musketeers.
The production value was gorgeous, the swordplay
exciting, and a story that was totally engaging.
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The aforementioned story revolves around Valentine,
the daughter of D’Artagnan (easily the most
famous of the Musketeers), who wants desperately
to follow in her father’s footsteps. However,
there is little chance that will ever happen,
since she is, after all, a woman. When the sons
of the original Musketeers are chosen to take
on a mission to save the recently kidnapped fiancé
of King Louis XIV, she sees an opportunity to
prove her mettle. But as in all good Musketeer
movies, there are powerful forces at work who
don’t want the Musketeers to succeed. Soon
Valentine finds herself imprisoned for a murder
she did not commit, and the original Musketeers
must rally once more to save not only the King’s
would-be bride, but their heirs.
There was so much to like about this production
that I don’t really know where to begin.
The sets and costumes were outstanding, but without
a strong cast to carry the film, “La Femme
Musketeer” would have been no more than
a pretty picture. Susie Amy stars as Valentine,
and she does an amazing job of taking on the role
of a swashbuckler. Both in her acting style and
physical prowess, it is easy to buy the fact that
she would be the daughter of a Musketeer. John
Rhys-Davies was also perfectly cast as the aging
Porthos, while Gerard Depardieu ably stepped into
the shoes of the Cardinal. I was even surprised
to see Nastassja Kinski, whom I’ve never
considered to be that great of an actress, do
a superb job as the evil Lady Bolton.
My favorite casting however, was having Michael
York reprise the role of D’Artagnan, whom
he played in both of the earlier films I mentioned
above. In both of those movies, he was my favorite
character, and to see York play him once again
was a real treat. He may have aged a bit, but
he plays the role with no less zeal than he did
over twenty years ago.
Lion’s Gate is releasing the DVD of “La
Femme Musketeer”, and my only wish is that
they would have added on some extra features.
Some interviews with the cast would have been
a welcome addition. In spite of this minor shortcoming,
the DVD is well worth a watch for the movie alone.
Directed by: Steve Boyum
Starring: Nastassja Kinski, Michael York, Susie
Amy, John Rhys-Davies, Gerard Depardieu
Extras: None
Specifications: Full Frame, 2.0 Dolby Stereo
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: 7/20/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website
We'll give La Femme Musketeer a B-.
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