The Man in the Iron Mask [DVD]

Good - USED BOOK: This book is in good condition with moderate signs of wear. It may contain some highlighting or markings but remains generally clean. The cover may have minor shelf wear, and pages might show slight creasing. Despite these signs of use, the book is well-maintained and fully readable.

Amazon.ca Footnotes in movie books are likely to reduce this swashbuckling adventure down to a simple description: it was the first movie to star Leonardo DiCaprio after the phenomenal success of Titanic. As such it automatically attracted a box-office stampede of Leo's young female fans, but critical reaction was deservedly mixed. Having earned his directorial debut after writing the Oscar-winning script for Mel Gibson's Braveheart, Randall Wallace wrote and directed this ambitious version of the often-filmed classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. DiCaprio plays dual roles as the despotic King Louis XIV, who rules France with an iron fist, and the king's twin brother, Philippe, who languishes in prison under an iron mask, his identity concealed to prevent an overthrow of Louis' throne. But Louis' abuse of power ultimately enrages Athos (John Malkovich), one of the original Four Musketeers, who recruits his former partners (Gabriel Byrne, Gérard Depardieu, and Jeremy Irons) in a plot to liberate Philippe and install him as the king's identical replacement. Once this plot is set in motion and the Musketeers are each given moments in the spotlight, the film kicks into gear and offers plenty of entertainment in the grand style of vintage swashbucklers. But it's also sidetracked by excessive length and disposable subplots, and for all his post-Titanic star power, the boyish DiCaprio just isn't yet "man" enough to be fully convincing in his title role. Still, this is an entertaining movie, no less enjoyable for falling short of the greatness to which it aspired. --Jeff Shannon Product Description It has been many years since Aramis, Athos, Porthos and d'Artagnan fought together as the bravest and the best of the King's Royal Guards, known as The Musketeers. It is 1660 and France is starving. The once great King has been succeeded by his arrogant and cruel heir, King Louis XIV (DiCaprio). While at the Bastille, a mysterious prisoner has lived for nearly a decade encased in an iron mask. To save a nation, the Musketeers must reunite and embark on their most dangerous mission ever: to free the prisoner and unlock the secret of his identity. Only through this will they rebuild the kingdom.

FEATURES

• Factory sealed DVD