THE THREE MUSKETEERS (2011)

year: 2011 cast: Logan Lerman, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans rating: ***

Sure it’s a modernized mockery of the Dumas classic, and could have been titled after the young sex symbol joining forces with the titular heroes… the trio remaining a backdrop to most of the heroic deeds… but it all works for a fun ride.

We begin with The Three Musketeers on a mission inside a castle, and get to know each for their separate skills: Athos the leader, Armamis the daring, and Porthos the badass. Tagging along is sexy vixen Milady DeWinter (Milla Jovovich), stealing the show as she fights in slow-motion straight outta THE MATRIX. In fact most of the fight scenes are so glossy it doesn't feel like the 1700s at all. Although the scenery and settings are beautiful and genuine enough to thrust the viewer into a vintage otherworld of sword-clashing soldiers, double-crossing villains, and flawed, intrepid heroes.

The main character is young D’Artagnan, played by Logan Lerman, looking more like a kid who’d hang at a skateboard shop than an agile swordsman, but his acting is pretty good. The daring youngster proves his worth to the Musketeers, and these are the best scenes: the four battling their way through town till a prancing young king gives them their mission.

Midway through there’s too much dialog describing what’s about to happen: a plan involving stolen jewels, which could escalate into war. But this sets up for some more cool battles (within flying pirate ships), all paying off in silver dollars that may be counterfeit, but it doesn't matter somehow.