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The 2024 adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo promised much and delivered little, proving that not all classics are destined for cinematic greatness -at least not in the hands of this team. Alexandre Dumas' masterpiece, a tale of revenge, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit, has been reduced here to a lifeless spectacle of missed opportunities and baffling choices.

Let us start with the script, which appears to have been penned by someone who skimmed the SparkNotes version of the novel during a coffee break. The intricate, interwoven subplots that give the original story its gravitas are carelessly flattened, replaced with ham-fisted dialogue and anachronistic quips that feel more suited to a sitcom than 19th-century France. Edmond Dantès' transformation from wronged sailor to vengeful count -arguably one of the most compelling character arcs in literature- is rushed and shallow, leaving the audience emotionally uninvested in his plight.

The casting, too, is a curious misstep. While the lead actor undoubtedly has the jawline for a brooding Dantès, his wooden delivery robs the character of nuance. The supporting cast fares no better, with a laughably villainous Fernand Mondego who seems plucked from a pantomime and a Mercedes so underwritten that her presence is almost an afterthought. It is a tragedy when characters meant to embody passion, betrayal, and longing are reduced to forgettable caricatures.

Visually, the film is a study in excess, with lavish sets and costumes that feel more like the output of a designer's fever dream than a thoughtful evocation of the era. The cinematography tries desperately to be "epic" but often crosses the line into absurdity, with dizzying camera angles and unnecessary slow-motion sequences that would make even Michael Bay blush.

Ultimately, this adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo is not just a failure to honor its source material. It also is a failure of imagination, coherence, and respect for its audience. In attempting to modernize a timeless story, the filmmakers have stripped it of its soul, leaving only a hollow shell. One might say that the true revenge here is Dumas' masterpiece, which will endure long after this forgettable rendition is consigned to the bargain bin of cinematic history.

Verdict: Skip the film and reread the book instead.

Dedicated to all those that once crossed an ocean of doubts just to follow their dreams.

The only thing I regret is that it doesn't last longer. The documentary is 52 minutes long. I could've watched an entire season. It's simply mind blowing.

Thanks to Abraham for sharing his dream with us and to everyone who contributed and made his dream possible.

It's available on Prime Video (subtitled in English for those who don't understand Spanish).

I'd never heard of him before and it seems he didn't take on further challenges after this one. I hope that wherever Abraham is, he's in good shape and knows that he's simply inspiring!

What on earth is going on with people who liked this so called movie. Not only do they not have any idea of what true love really is, but also they got absolutely no taste in film-making. Also, the name is absolutely misleading. There's no serendipity here. The characters and their friends make everything in their power to "meet their destiny". I thought that after watching "Sleepless in Seattle" I wouldn't have to cope with any plot that silly or pointless... I was wrong. Save yourself an hour and half of your life and avoid this trash or rather go outside and watch the trees grow. It'll be a far better use of your time.