En Garde -- Again!
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With twenty-six movies already made about The Three Musketeers, is there room for another? If it stars Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, the answer is a resounding “Yes,” especially one released as a DVD with such clever bonus features as “Get the Scoop,” a very funny behind-the scenes documentary about why The Three Musketeers is Mickey’s first full-length animated movie. The director claims this project was waiting for the right director; the editor says it couldn’t be done without the right editor; the producer insists it was stalled until the right producer came along, and so forth. Each one interviewed seems quite convinced he or she holds the key to the project’s success. However, we all know nothing would have mattered without Mickey, Donald and Goofy finally signing on as the stars of this fun animated adventure.
Not surprisingly, Disney’s Musketeer movie bears little resemblance to the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. Mickey, Donald and Goofy play themselves -- not the famous trio of Athos, Porthos and Aramis. They work as janitors and handymen at Musketeer Headquarters in France, hoping someday to become members of the dashing and courageous group. When appointed by Captain Pete to guard Queen Minnie (Minnie Mouse, of course), they consider it an honor -- not realizing they’ve been assigned the job because of their incompetence. Pete plans to kidnap the Queen and name himself King of France. He’s certain Mickey, Donald and Goofy will not be able to save the Queen. Think again, Captain Pete!
To the tune of rousing Musketeer music and with a little help from Daisy Duck and Clarabelle the Cow, our heroes save the day -- despite their hilarious antics with slapstick swordplay.
My only complaint? The film’s troubadour turtle interrupts too often with his silly songs. And sometimes I couldn’t understand his French accent. Thank heavens for captions.
I may be going through my second (or third) childhood, but I had a terrific time with the games and activities included in the DVD bonus features presented here. “Opera-toon-ity” gives viewers a chance to select a certain opera singer and to sing along with him/her. “The Many Hats of Mickey” showcases the impressive film career of Hollywood’s biggest animated star. By clicking on various hats worn by Mickey, short clips of his numerous performances -- going all the way back to 1931 for The Castaway (eat your heart out, Tom Hanks) -- appear.
Children of all ages, prepare to be entertained royally by Mickey’s The Three Musketeers.
(Released by Walt Disney Home Entertainment and rated "G" for general audiences.)