So the Three Musketeers of Bourboulon...
I'll admit that I went into this movie with both excitement and trepidation because despite my love for the story and characters 1) there have been a lot of bad transfers, even if you judge them as a relatively standalone product and 2) there have been comments from the press that the specific movie would be the French answer to marvel and platforms, which out of context is a pretty scary statement.
Is this a convincing metaphor? No. Like many films, it deviates from the fictional material. For example, D'Artagnan is noticeably more likable and the way he is involved in the main plot is a bit different and darker, New plotlines are introduced, especially in relation to Athos and a plan to declare war. At the same time, however, the basic plotline of the book is followed, with the changes simply being part of it. King Louis is presented more humanly than in Dumas's version and there is more balance in the dichotomy between him and the Duke of Buckingham. The basic romance is built differently to be more 'solid' and win the viewer over immediately, having thrown away a lot of the complications that were in the book. There are also 2 changes under political correctness.
Bourboulon balances between the metaphor of the novel and the performance of the time, as the story steps anyway in an existing historical context. We don't have bodyguards here who will simply fence without taking out a weapon even in close combat. At the same time, however, the sense of honor they had is not overridden. One scene of Aramis I consider shockingly out of character, but it wasn't enough to spoil the overall effect. All in all they managed to keep the general spirit in a strange way.
Now, for the casual viewer... the movie was very good. This is a pure action film with nicely choreographed battles (although a bit unclear in some places and personally I would have preferred more unified sequences), political intrigue, romance, friendships, all in the right doses, and characters that win you over from the start. The production is excellent and the money that has been dropped shows. There isn't a cast member who doesn't do what they've been given, and those who watch European productions will know the majority of the actors. The humor that could be a double-edged sword is clever, mostly drawing on moments that were in the books or following a similar vein. It doesn't follow the pattern of goofy scenes and dumb one-liners.
All in all, it's a film that will have a good time. It may be different in other screenings, but it's been a while since I've seen such enthusiasm from the audience, genuine reactions to the plot and humor. Splitting it in two was a risk if the first movie didn't do well, but I don't think there will be anyone who sees the first part and doesn't go for the second.
