A Second Look: The Count of Monte Cristo

Before Captain Jack Sparrow raided the Spanish Main (but not before The Pirates raided the Carribbean in Anaheim... unless you count the Dumas novel), The Count of Monte Cristo took his cinematic revenge on those who wronged him. And his faith in God took a perilous journey into darkness. In the end, he learns a powerful lesson and the audience is all-the-wiser for it.

The 2002 version of "The Count of Monte Cristo" is one of my favorite period films. James Caviezel (Jesus, "The Passion of the Christ") does a great job of playing both the innocent sailor, Edmond Dantes, and the more jaded title character. The film also boasts Guy Pearce in a sleazy role and Richard Harris in one of his final performances. Indeed, for the acting alone, the film is a delight to watch time and again. But there's more to it than mere acting... It's a love story, an action story, a story of revenge. Indeed, everything The Princess Bride professes to be in fun, The Count is in cinematic reality.

I know I haven't said alot about plot, but I don't want to give anything away. If you haven't seen it, rent (or dare I say, buy) it. And if you have seen it, I'm sure you agree that it's time to watch it once again. This is one of those films that might have slipped under the radar but, in my opinion, is one that belongs in everyone's film collection.

It's only $10 over at Amazon. You're not doing anything more important this weekend anyway. So pick it up and enjoy yourself.

Now if I can just pick up a Monte Cristo sandwich at Disneyland next week...

- Paul