Oliver!
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Movie Reviews of Oliver!
Movie Review: I love this musical!
Summary: 5 Stars
This may just be, sadly, the last great movie musical & what a knockout it is. Starting with the very first song, the stupendous Glorious Food number in the refectory at the orphanage, a bounty of gorgeously beautiful songs sung by an absolutely first-rate cast pours forth for over 2 1/2 hours. Harry Secombe & Ron Moody stand out in particular, the former (Goon) in gorgeous voice & the latter doing one of the most perfect Fagins I've ever seen, conveying craftiness & complexity worthy of Shylock while at the same time singing & dancing like a prince of vaudeville (or the music hall). The dance numbers are fabulous, particularly relishable in this age of danceless musicals (save for the mechanical choreography of Broadway retreads). They are complex, imaginative, bursting with energy & totally integrated with the Dickensian plot & atmosphere, propelling the film along.
At no time is the plot subsumed by the music or dance, thanks, I imagine, to the titanic talents of Carol Reed (director of film masterpieces The Third man & Odd Man Out). Every element of this film works - as drama, as history, as musical - and above all, IT IS HUGELY ENTERTAINING!
Movie Review: The Great Musical Makes For An Incredible DVD!
Summary: 5 Stars
The Magic of DVD technology makes Oliver! an incredible new experience. I've seen Oliver! on TV and video more than a dozen times, but this re-mastered digital verson of a 1960s movie brings the movie back to the way it must have been first seen in theaters--quite possibly even better! The colors are rich, the clarity amazingly sharp, and the letterbox version exposes so many things off to the far sides of the screen that have never been seen since its theatrical premier. The dance numbers are particularly great with the letterbox version, as the pan and scan version cuts off many cast members during the bigger production numbers. This movie is a grand entertainment that will be cherished forever by musical lovers and those with a pashion for Dickens and for the human heart. And now that it is available on DVD, it just got a whole lot better. Truly one of the best experiences I've had at the movies, and with digital TV. It's a dramatic music with tunes that you'll be humming for weeks and characters you'll never forget. The songs complement and move the story forward in almost every sequence; It's extremely well done.Movie Review: didn't win best picture for nothing! this is quality stuff
Summary: 5 Stars
I really love this movie. i love the book and the play too. I think this movie is a good representation of the book, even though there are some things left out, like Oliver's sister and brother and Fagin's death. But this movie is a completely charming and memorable one. There are two musical numbers that could've been a little shorter, Who Will Buy and Consider Yourself, but Jack Wild was so good and lit up the creen that you hardly even notice Consider Yourself's length. Also, I've read reviwes that put down the acting of this movie--I thought that all of the leads were very, very good. Ron Moody and Jack Wild stood out the most, and Shanni Wallis and oliver Reed were both excellent. Mark Lester wasn't the best actor in the movie, but he didn't ruin it either. And keep in mind, he was only about 8 years old when it was filmed. Somebody called Mark Lester a brat because they thought he couldn't act. I thought that was unneccescary, but hey, decide for yourself. Check out this totally cool, chilling, heartwarming, and all around entertaining musical tragi-comedy. You will be glad you did!Movie Review: an absolutely splendid musical adaptation of the old melodrama
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this - a film I saw when it came out - to share with my kids. This is a real hit or miss proposition, as they are used to computer animations and the rawness that we get in films today. We put it on for xmas and happily, it was the perfect film for us all.
First, the acting is simply first rate, from the unlovable Fagan and the sociopath Bill Sikes to the adorable Oliver and his flawed protector, the unfortunate Nancy. Indeed, this was the film that made Oliver Reed a major star, and he is the perfect villain. It engaged us completely, both on the emotional level but as a start of an historical discussion. We all bonded over the film. Second, the music is wonderful, even if Mark Lester only lip-synched. My daughter loves musicals, so we will watch this many times with her. Third, it is a rip-roaringly good story, however much Dickens relies on deus ex machina interventions to tidy things up at the end (usually in the form of a middle-class savior). The adventure deeply engaged my son.
This is an outstanding classic film. Warmly recommended.
Movie Review: Two of the great scenes in film
Summary: 5 Stars
Many of the reviewers here have wonderfully described the movie. But it is worth nothing that two scenes in this movie may be some of the greatest ever. When Oliver awakes and asks "who will buy this beautiful morning?" a stunning 10 minitues of motion picture genius errupts. The scenes of 19th century industry come alive with milkmaids, teachers, nannies and even a marching band. Fantastic wonderment. The other great scene is when Oliver is introduced into London life - Consider Yourself - part of the family, part of the scenery - the scenery of butchers and chimney sweeps, of bobbies and fish mongers. Amazing amazing amazing.The film captures a subtle and enjoyable smattering of history -- the industry of the 19th century. Whether it is the butchers processing meat, the brewers and their barrells or the undertaker of the day advertising "cheap funerals," the film has a hustle bustle of 19th century capitalism, where the city is producing wealth, where people are pursuing their trades, even if some of them happen to be pickpockets. Marvelous movie.