Err, “legendary?” I’m pretty sure I didn’t imagine reading it!

Welcome to Re-make Mondays, a weekly feature that takes a look at a remake/reboot currently being touted to hungry cinema audiences. I’ll feature the remake, and also what footage or content I can from the original, and then leave the helpless victim for you all to tear apart or cuddle up to in the comments. So, let’s get started:

There are several dozen adaptations of Alexandre Dumas’ classic 1844 French adventure, Les Trois Mousquetaires to choose from, ranging from over twenty filmed versions from as far back as 1903, animated adaptations, plays and even computer games.

From this (no, I couldn’t find an original Brakenjan trailer, sorry);

to this (yes, once upon a time, Charlie Sheen did Disney movies);

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq6_FcTLrtY

to even this (you might want to position a tissue under your eyes to catch the blood);

Now, Summit Entertainment have re-imagined the adventures of D’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis (if you don’t know why there are four of them, not three, then you need to read more) in a new feature starring Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich and even Orlando Bloom. This latest version sets the story in the steampunk genre, which is super popular in young adult fiction right now, and that demographic is clearly the market this new version is pitched at.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2IULuYDKHM

My Verdict:
Whether being taken on by Disney, Barbie or a pack of dogs, The Three Musketeers remains a classic adventure because of its recognisable and popular themes: unity in the face of danger, girls in big dresses, and men whose beards are as pointy as their swords.

That said, there is no shortage of re-workings, re-imaginings and re-boots of the story. This new take looks action-packed, sure, and given the genre transplant to an über-cool steampunk look, might pick up a view or two from the ADHD generation, but then maybe not, given the relatively poor showing at the box office thus far.

Interestingly, given the poor initial interest in the film over its opening weekend in the States (US$ 8.8 million),  Milla Jovovich ginger-blasted the producers at Summit Entertainment for not giving the film enough publicity around the world. Maybe it’ll do better on Blu-Ray, or iPhone, or whatever the kids are watching movies on these days.