| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that the violent content is a factor for younger viewers -- good and bad guys die by the sword mostly, with one suicide by jumping. And while most of the sexual innuendo will go over kids' heads, the ogling, kissing, and overflowing corsets are all right there for them to see.
The heroes, sword fighting, and political intrigue are all here in this Disney retelling of THE THREE MUSKETEERS, but they definitely took some licenses with the original story. Specifically, they made the character the swashbucklers try to save, Milady de Winter (Rebecca De Mornay), far more sympathetic. Instead of a vicious spy who marries for money, she becomes a falsely accused woman who lost the love of her life and then became vile, but redeemable.
D'Artagnan (Chris O'Donnell) is a young wannabe musketeer who arrives just as the famous group is disbanded. His quick temper soon draws the ire of the famous three musketeers: Porthos, Athos, and Aramis (in order, Oliver Platt, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen). Just before they all duel, d'Artagnan ends up helping the musketeers fend off an evil cardinal's guard. Alliances follow along with witty banter, wanton wenches, and heroic sacrifices.
This adaptation is more like an MTV version than a true retelling of the classic story, gathering some popular '90s actors for light swashbuckling amusement. Accents come and go, the language is more modern American English than 17th-century French, and the acting and comedy are more slapstick than reverent theater.
DVD extras even include the video of the movie's chart-topper "All for Love" by Sting, Rod Stewart, and Bryan Adams. Another reminder not to compare this fun fare with the classic.
Families can talk about honor and duty. Of the four famed Musketeers, who was the most honorable? Was he your favorite? Why or why not? Even heroes make mistakes. What mistakes did D'Artagnan make?
| Topics: | adventures, book characters |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Stephen Herek |
| Cast: | Charlie Sheen, Chris O'Donnell, Kiefer Sutherland |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 105 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 12, 1993 |
| DVD release date: | August 24, 1999 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |