The time after Christmas until summer is usually the slowest and most uninspiring time for fun and frolic at the movies, but once in a while a great movie comes along in the cold or not so-cold-days of January and February-a movie that takes this theory of five boring months of cinematic junk and throws it out the window. The Count Of Monte Cristo, a drama with action overtones and even occasional humor, does just this.

The Count of Monte Cristo is based on the novel by Alexander Dumas, who also wrote the classics The Three Musketeers and The Man in The Iron Mask. With the previous two being made into movies several times over, it was only a matter of time before the geniuses of Hollywood turned The Count from 1,100 pages into 2 1/2 hours again. But in this case it was not a bad job at all.

The Count takes place in France, after Napoleon has been exiled to the island of Elba. The British, fearing an attempt to rescue the leader, have made it clear that anyone who steps foot on the island will be shot. But this does not stop a young sailor by the name of Edmund Dantes (Jim Caviezel) and his close friend Fernand (Guy Pearce) from landing, after their ship’s captain becomes seriously ill.

Dantes is second in charge while Fernand is the company’s overseer for the voyage. The two manage to come ashore, and while waiting for the island doctor to look the captain over, Dantes takes a walk with Napoleon. While strolling, Napoleon asks Dantes to take an innocent letter back to France for him. Being the gullible chap he is, Dantes agrees.

When Dantes and Fernand arrive back home, Dantes is made the new captain of the ship, much to the chagrin of certain crewmembers. Dantes is now able to marry the love of his life, Mercedes (Dagmara Dominczyk), which enrages Fernand, who secretly lusts after the beautiful woman.

Fernand, with help from some other evildoers, plots to take Dantes out of the picture. Dantes is soon arrested for taking the letter from Napoleon, a crime of treason. Never given a trial, Dantes is sent to the island prison Chateau D’If, which is under the control of the twisted Dorleac (Michael Wincott).

Dantes starts 13 years of abuse and isolation in the prison. He gives up on God and life until a fellow inmate, simply known as the Priest (Richard Harris), pops his head up through the floor. It seems he was tunneling the wrong way. A friendship evolves between the two men whom society has forgotten. In between digging a new tunnel, the Priest teaches Dantes how to read, write, about economics, how to be a gentleman and, most importantly, swordplay.

Dantes manages to escape and turns himself into a wealthy count. The only thing that he desires out of life is revenge. He situates himself into the French nobility and comes up with a cunning plan to ruin his enemies economically and, ultimately to take their lives. Dantes must not only battle his outer enemies but also those who lurk inside him. Should he choose to go on with his life or give in to his anger?

The Count of Monte Cristo thrills with its awesome action and entertains with its witty banter. Director Kevin Reynolds makes an articulate job out of turning the novel into a worthy and enjoyable film. But Reynolds must not get all the credit- if it were not for the impressive cast, the film would have ended up in the vault.

Caviezel brings first the gullible and later complex character of Dantes to life. It is hard to imagine that the same actor played both roles, which explains why the bad guys failed to instantly recognize him.

Guy Pearce takes on the unusual role of the villain and successfully pulls it off. Even though he appears in only sporadic roles, he is rapidly establishing himself as a worthy and talented actor. The role of Fernand does not live up to the role of Lenny in Memento, but it is an impressive job nonetheless.

The supporting roles of Wincott and Dominczyk add flair to the film’s appeal. Wincott dishes out sadistic humor while serving up torture on the poor, unfortunate Dantes.

The Count of Monte Cristo should be read, but since it’s only going to be in theatres for a limited engagement, go see the movie and then read the book. The swashbuckling film combines all the ingredients for a fun time. There’s adventure, action, drama, a love story and even pirates. Hey, how can you argue with that? B+