Director Peter Hyam?s “The Musketeer” again tells a story that has been brought to the big screen seven times before. It is the commonality and reliability of this classic tale that the film depends upon, concentrating on imaginative and artistic fight scenes rather than storytelling; rightfully so, since the core story has been told better in other versions.

The swashbuckling adventure is set in 17th century France, the country torn between the good, peace-loving King Louis XIII and the power-hungry, self-serving Cardinal Richelieu (Stephen Ray). After D?Artagnan (Justin Chambers) witnesses his parents? murder at the hands of the Cardinal?s evil henchman Febre (Tim Roth), the film begins its trek through loose plotting, poor dialogue, and blank-faced acting. Still, with fight sequences under the direction of Xin Xin Xiong, who is one of the best action choreographers in China, the plot and acting are not the focus.

“The Musketeer” is formulaic at best, but as a platform for innovative swordplay with a 17th century twist on martial arts, it more than serves its purpose.