The Count of Monte Cristo

This film is a modern incarnation of an old-fashioned spectacular. It’s an absolute pleasure to watch.

It zips by, like back-to-back episodes of prestige television. Thrilling the whole way through.

Not a second is superfluous or boring in this lavish, definitive version of a literary delight.

I walked away from de La Patellière and Delaporte’s take on the Dumas tale invigorated. Its intensity, its majesty, its larger-than-life virtuosity, all of that and more filled my heart with glee.

The nuance is earned, and whether it’s well-applied becomes the difference between a merely ripping yarn and a satisfyingly complete one.

The movie might be set in the early 19th century, but its hero is a 21st century badass.

Dumas may be a shambolic author but he knew how to cast a spell on his readers. He had the knack of writing pot-boilers that have survived as great works of literature.

This is why we love sitting in front of those big screens for hours on end.

A thrilling ride. With its grand sweeping plot, lush historical settings and compelling protagonist, this won't disappoint. Coherent, engrossing and entertaining, the film effortlessly proves historical action is still timeless.

The pain of mistreatment and the power of revenge will never get old.