Watch The Return of the Musketeers

The Return of the Musketeers is a 1989 American-French action/adventure film and the sequel to the 1973 film, The Three Musketeers, based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas. It stars Michael York, Oliver Reed, and Frank Finlay reprising their roles as D'Artagnan, Athos, and Porthos respectively. The film is directed by Richard Lester, who directed the first film, and written by George MacDonald Fraser.

The Return of the Musketeers takes place 20 years after the events of the first film. An aging D'Artagnan, now a respected member of the French King's Musketeers, reunites with his former comrades Athos, Porthos, and Aramis (played by Richard Chamberlain in the first film but replaced by Philip Davis in this one) to foil a plot to overthrow the King by a woman claiming to be his twin sister.

The Musketeers are soon joined by D'Artagnan's impetuous young godson, Raoul (played by C. Thomas Howell), who has also joined the Musketeers, and the quartet embark on a swashbuckling adventure to stop the scheming Countess de Winter (played by Kim Cattrall), who is allied with the villainous Cardinal Mazarin (played by Philippe Noiret).

The film is filled with elaborate sword fights, daring duels, and thrilling chases, all choreographed by legendary fight choreographer William Hobbs. The pacing is quick and the action never lets up, ensuring that fans of the original film will not be disappointed. However, the film also has its fair share of humor and levity, particularly in the banter between the Musketeers.

Michael York is once again the perfect embodiment of D'Artagnan, the noble and honorable musketeer who is always quick with his rapier and his wit. Oliver Reed brings his trademark intensity to the role of Athos, the brooding and tortured musketeer haunted by his past. Frank Finlay is delightfully boisterous as Porthos, the jovial and larger-than-life musketeer. And while Philip Davis is no Richard Chamberlain, he holds his own as Aramis, the pious musketeer who has found a new calling as a priest.

Kim Cattrall is a highlight as the seductive and cunning Countess de Winter, who is just as skilled with a sword as she is with her wiles. She provides a worthy adversary for the Musketeers and adds a much-needed female presence to an otherwise male-dominated film. Philippe Noiret is suitably sinister as Cardinal Mazarin, pulling the strings from behind the scenes.

The Return of the Musketeers may not be quite as good as its predecessor, but it is still a fun and entertaining romp that will keep fans of the first film engaged. It is a joy to see the Musketeers back in action after 20 years and the chemistry between the cast is palpable. While the plot is somewhat convoluted and the ending a bit rushed, the film still delivers thrills, laughs, and swashbuckling hijinks in equal measure.

Overall, The Return of the Musketeers is a worthy sequel that will satisfy fans of the original film and lovers of classic adventure movies. It may not be a masterpiece, but it is a fun and enjoyable ride that pays homage to the original while carving out its own niche in the Musketeers canon.