A new adaptation of the classic Alexandre Dumas novel "The Three Musketeers" is heading to movie theaters worldwide. Directed by Resident Evil helmer Paul W.S. Anderson 'Muketeers' has received a lot of negative pre release buzz. Is it really that abysmal? Or does Paul Anderson a surprise up his sleeve?

The story follows young D'Artagnan who travels to Paris to join the Musketeers, but instead finds himself pitched in a duel against the remaining three: Arthos, Porthos and Aramis. The fight quickly turns against the guards of the influential Cardinal Richelieu and earns the quartet the favor of the king. Soon D'Artagnan finds himself entangled in a web of political conspiracy, love and deception.

While Paul Anderson’s Resident Evil movies were some of the most soulless films ever made, he did a reasonably good job with The Three Musketeers. You have to see it for what it is: popcorn entertainment. Plain and simple. If you’re hoping for an artsy, historical adaptation with Academy Award winning performances this version is definitely not for you. However if you’re looking for roughly two hours of simple entertainment you might find yourself enjoying this film.

Sure you have to suspend your disbelief and accept certain facts, for instance that the story has been modernized and turned into a 17th century mission impossible. Women didn’t have nearly as much clout back then but strengthening their onscreen presence gives the director a chance to feature Milla Jovovich fairly prominently and increase the viewer demographic.

Performances range from good to mediocre, Christoph Waltz (Inglorious Basterds) - spitting image of his character Cardinal Richelieu - keeps his cool and manages not to overdo the nemesis role. Orlando Bloom is pretty funny as pompous Duke of Buckingham while Milla basically does her physical routine being flirty all the way though. Logan Lerman (D'Artagnan) whom I thought to be just another pretty boy actually held his own pretty well. Mads Nikkelsen (Rochefort) is once again a wonderful bad guy, though he is upstaged by Waltz. Newcomer Gabriella Wilde (Constance) is one of the most beautiful actresses in recent years. Not long ago she signed with the famous ICM talent agency so expect to see a lot more of the young Brit in years to come.