Review: ‘The Three Musketeers’ (1993) Stands Above Other Adaptations and Stands the Test of Time — Mostly

“ALL FOR ONE, AND ONE FOR ALL!” Never has such an utterance been so ubiquitously understood, and revered. “The Three Musketeers” is a timeless French classic that has been adapted to film on numerous occasions. It’s a story about loyalty, service above self, and of course, adventure. The film adaptations have seen varying degrees of success and failure. There is, however, one film conversion that not only stands above the rest, but beats the test of time — mostly.

I’m referring to the 1993 Stephen Herek (“Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure“) cinematic hit, appropriately titled, “The Three Musketeers.” This, early ’90s star-studded affair is nothing short of nostalgic euphoria when watched today.

Noteworthy ’90s Actors and Actresses Line the Production

Starring, Kiefer Sutherland (Athos), Oliver Platt (Porthos), Chris O’Donnell (D’artagnan), and the now infamous, Charlie Sheen (Aramis) as the titular musketeers, they faceoff against the incomparable, Tim Curry (Cardinal Richelieu) and Michael Wincott (Rochefort), alongside other noteworthy thespians such as, Rebecca De Mornay (Milady).

The movie itself is a pinnacle representation of early ’90s cinema. I can’t quite put my finger on it. I’m not sure if it’s the slightly dulled ambient sounds that accompany movies from that era, or the color grading of the films themselves. But whatever it is, watching this movie — or, in my case, re-watching this movie — brings about an instant familiarity of a time when movies were treasured possessions housed within decorative plastic cases. I could almost smell mum’s popcorn dancing past my nose as the movie played on, and my body recalled those coveted movie nights from childhood.

I’ll concede here, I’m biased. This movie brings about fond remembrances of a time deemed “simpler,” but that should not detract from the fact that this movie still stands on its own, adventurous merit near thirty years later.

Reminders that We Are Living in a Different Time

There are of course some reminders that we are living in a different time. For example, there is a scene where Oliver Platt is conversing with his musketeer brethren, and while doing so refers to the act of romancing women, as “wenching.” One could argue that the vernacular is era appropriate, and I’d not contest. Hearing it spill forth from my television speakers in 2022 however, admittedly caused a moment of grimace. Other than that scene though, this movie is a blissful thrill ride from start to finish. The wonderfully choreographed sword battles, the overly dramatic death sequences once thine enemy has been stuck through by thy trusty blade — marvelous!

“The Three Musketeers” (1993), a solid B with an added “plus” for nostalgia.

 

 

 

 

You can currently stream “The Three Musketeers” on Disney + (via subscription), and rent it from most other streaming services. 

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