THE THREE MUSKETEERS: MILADY

 

THE THREE MUSKETEERS: MILADY is the followup to THE THREE MUSKETEERS: D'ARTAGNAN. The two films, produced in France and both directed by Martin Bourboulon, form a major new cinematic adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' famed novel. 

MILADY continues on from the events of the first film, with the impetuous D'Artagnan (Francois Civil), now an official musketeer, searching for his true love Constance (Lyna Khoudri), who has disappeared. Meanwhile he and his friends Athos (Vincent Cassel), Aramis (Romain Duris) and Porthos (Pio Marmal) become deeper involved in the religious factionalism threatening to tear apart France, while a war looms with England. Lurking behind it all is the mysterious and alluring Milady De Winter (Eva Green), whose actions have major consequences for all the main characters. 

MILADY is well-titled, since the film provides a great showcase for Eva Green. You could even say that she is the main star instead of any of the musketeers. The background of Milady is a major factor here, and the script takes great pains to give the woman's side of the story. This is very much a 21st Century element of storytelling, and in this instance it didn't bother me, although some might look askance at the changes this film makes toward Milady and the ending of Dumas' novel. 

The epic sweep of D'ARTAGNAN is also continued here, along with that film's gritty action scenes. (The battle for La Rochelle is a big highlight of MILADY.) 

What really made these two new Musketeer movies work for me is that while they are enjoyable and entertaining, they avoid the silly attitudes and dopey humor one usually finds in modern Hollywood action-adventure blockbusters. There are plenty of plots and counter-plots galore in these two Musketeer films between various religious and political factions, and there's also a depth to the main characters. The production design is very impressive, but there's also a reality to it--both films actually being made in France certainly helps. 

The ending of MILADY sets up a path toward future adventures with these characters, and I'm all for that, as long as the same cast & crew are involved. MILADY and D'ARTAGNAN are excellent examples of classic cinematic storytelling, and I heartily recommend both.