Alfie [DVD] [2004]

the film is fast paced and very stylish, with a great soundtrack and exciting cinematography. i do, however agree with some criticisms that the film seems to lose its way somewhere half way through, and it has less of a storyline, more a structure of episodes of Alfie's life. due to this my boyfriend (who i dragged along to see it with me) got rather bored in the last half hour or so. the film also lacks a satisfactory resoloution, in my mind, although the last scene is probably Law's most impressive.

so go and see this film if you want to see a slick and stylish film, with great acting from one of the most attractive men in the industry, but not if you want a complex, thought provoking plot, or a straightforward story with a beginning middle and end

Alfie works his way through a number of women in this story: the unhappily married Dorie (Jane Krakowski from Alley McBeal); Julie (Marisa Tomei), the single mother who pretty much starts Alfie wondering about his priorities in life; Lonette (Nia Long), his best friend's girl and ultimately the instrument of Alfie's most painful lesson about his lifestyle; Nikki (Sienna Miller), a somewhat tragic manic-obsessive; and the rich, mature Liz (Susan Sarandon - and, if I'd known she was in this movie, I never would have watched it). When you come right down to it, Alfie is really just a stupid, stupid man who can't even figure out what he should want, yet regrets not having it. I'm not saying he's not intelligent - but he is stupid. No matter how much he wants to change, nothing manages to change him - not a most embarrassing little problem, a health scare involving the favorite part of his body, or even his ultimate realization of how much he has hurt his best friend. The ending is pretty much open-ended, so hope is not lost - but I'm not optimistic for this character, given his track record as shown in this film.

I should clearly state that I think Alfie is a good film - almost a very good film. Jude Law does an excellent job portraying a man who is much more complex than it might seem - and he manages to make all of his little soliloquies to the audience very effective, as they basically provide the insight into whatever soul is lurking behind Alfie's charm and carefree attitude. There's a real, tragically flawed person in there, a man who can't seem to change no matter how much he wants to. Had they wrapped the film's ending up in a pretty little bow, I would have extremely critical of this film. As it is, I seem to like this movie more, the more I reflect upon it - and that's a sign of quality film-making and good story-telling.

I have to say it was a thoroughly satisfying experience! I studied film (among other things!) at university, and know first-hand that too many critics can be unnecessarily snobby about the films Hollywood churns out. I've started measuring the film ratings I dispense by the level of contentment I felt afterwards.

'Alfie' is a cracking little movie. It bears little resemblance to the original, and is very much a movie in its own right. The film is an ultra-glossy affair, with Jude Law in great clothes walking through great sets and great locations with great-looking women, living a great lifestyle. You get the idea! It's a snappy story of morals, but without ever becoming too preachy. First and foremost it aims to be a slick romantic comedy, and it pulls it off.

I'd heartily recommend the film. I'm willing to bet you won't take your eyes off it and somewhere, deep down, you'll experience a real sense of satisfaction. Jude Law was made for the role (think Dickie Greenleaf!) and proves he's a star by ably carrying the picture. Ultra-solid support from Susan Sarandon, Marisa Tomei, Nia Long and Sienna Miller provides a nice mix of spices. Give it a shot. You may just like it, even though I was tempted to knock off a star for the monstrously egomaniacal post-movie credits from the director (you'll see what I mean...)