| A Dickens of a Good Time |
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| written by talltale |
September 5, 2004 - 11:21 AM PDT |
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3 out of 3 members found this review helpful
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| Maybe the most overlooked film of the past several years, Doug McGrath's version of NICHOLAS NICKLEBY is as good a sampling of Charles Dickens as has been put to film. McGrath telescopes the story but chooses his events wisely, producing a 2-1/2-hour near-masterpiece that captures both the author's tragic and sentimental views of life. The cast is top-notch, every last one of them, and the film is a splendid visual feast. Thank you, Mr. McGrath. And though I hate to mix novels here, as Oliver might ask, "Could I have some more, please?" |
| Smike! |
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| written by Cinenaut |
June 15, 2004 - 2:35 PM PDT |
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4 out of 5 members found this review helpful
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I'd always enjoyed the 1982 production of "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" that I'd seen on PBS, so I was looking forward to this version, which was made by the director that made Emma. I think this movie is too condensed to be a definitive version of Nicholas Nickleby, but it's still a lot of fun, with great set design, costumes and some good casting. I'm not sure that Ann Hathaway was the right casting choice for Madeline, Jim Broadbent makes a great Mr. Wackford Squeers. Casting Dame Edna as Mrs. Crummles is a great bit of stunt casting. Jamie Bell as Smike left me somewhat disappointed, but I'm not sure why. He seems too subdued or something, but I suppose Smike is supposed to be subdued. I'll have to go back and look at David Trelfall's performance in the 1982 production.
Over all, this movie is worth a look if you like Dickensian shenanigans. |
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