THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO (2002) *** I'm sorry to say that I didn't read Alexandre Dumas' novel at the age when I would have most enjoyed it, but I can't imagine that it does much to beat this …as a tale of how only revenge can lead to the forgiveness of those who aren't interested in being forgiven. I'm not issuing that as a metaphysical edict, just saying… I mean, it does glorify forgiveness, but it also glorifies revenge on the way. Anyway, it's easier to forgive after you've kicked their ass, and you know that's right. It's a film with actors all in the right places….it's difficult watching the nearly endless footage of Jim Caviezel suffering, but it does draw you to his cause; and Dagmara Dominczyk comes off as at least half-sympathetic, even when she's set up not to. But it's the casting of Luis Guzm á n that impresses me the most…he's absolutely perfect as the bad-ass, good-heart, tell-me-whose-ass-to-kick loyalist. Guzman's often great, this may be his greatest. Swashbucklers, then, and now.
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