The Man In The Iron Mask

About 100 minutes into The Man In The Iron Mask, writer/director Randall Wallace finally brings us to the moment we've all been waiting to see, as four legendary Musketeers--played by a dream cast of Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gerard Depardieu and Gabriel Byrne--cross their swords and utter one of literature's best-known oaths of allegiance: "One for all, all for one." At least on home video you'll have the option of fast-forwarding through all the tedious business which precedes it. Wallace effectively combined vengeance, romance and adventure in his script for Braveheart, but in his first film behind the camera he never seems clear about what kind of film he's making. A lavish, lusty period romp? A moody pot-boiler of mysterious parentage and uncertain motivations? A showcase for Tiger Beat poster-boy-du-jour Leonardo DiCaprio in the dual role of the misunderstood, just-wants-to-be-loved King Louis XIV and his long-hidden twin brother? The Man in the Iron Mask is a big muddled mess of an adventure yarn, satisfying only for those interested in watching DiCaprio looking his prettiest. Others will find a waste of great actors and classic story which never gets a handle on what the film should have been about for the average viewer: a chance to cheer for the crossed swords of re-born legends just a bit earlier than 100 minutes into the story. (Not recommended) (S. Renshaw)