'Oliver Twist' lacks the Roman Polanski twist

"Oliver Twist," Charles Dickens' classic about an orphan's adventures — and misadventures — in 19th-century England, can survive a lot of things. It can survive without color (David Lean's 1948 "Oliver Twist"). It can survive a Broadway musical (Carol Reed's 1968 "Oliver!") It can even survive being Disney-ized as a feature about an animated cat (1988's "Oliver & Company"). But it can't survive without an Oliver, and Barney Clark, the boy actor Polanski has cast in his version of Dickens' tale, has about as much presence as a piece of chalk. Read the full review

TO SUM UP
A retelling of the classic Charles Dickens tale: Orphaned at an early age, Oliver Twist is forced to live in a workhouse in 19th century London. When he escapes the intolerable conditions of the workhouse, Oliver falls in with a gang of pickpockets masterminded by the sinister Fagin, eventually to be rescued and given the hope of a better life.

FILM FACTS ...
Columbia Pictures
'Oliver Twist'

Director: Roman Polanski
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Barney Clark, Jamie Foreman, Frank Finlay, Harry Eden
Run time: 130 minutes
Release date: September 30, 2005
Rating: PG-13 for disturbing images.
See showtimes

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
   Trailers require Quicktime

Rate 'Oliver Twist'
  Go see it
  Make it a matinee
  Wait to rent
  Don't bother


Voter Limit: Once per Hour
View Poll Results
READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: C
"Polanski has said he made the movie for his school-age children. Looked at in that light, the movie has a certain jolly blandness. It's safe, it's presentable. But nothing more."

The Palm Beach Post: C+
"...a rendering that must have sounded better in Polanski's pitch meeting than it plays out onscreen."


ENTERTAINMENT VIDEO FROM AP

Wacotrib News | Wacotrib Weather | Sports | Living | Business News | Wacotrib Schools | Opinions | Baylor Football
Wacotrib Cars | Wacotrib Real Estate | Wacotrib Jobs | Classifieds | Sitemap

Copyright 2008 Waco Tribune-Herald. All rights reserved. - The Waco Tribune-Herald - Our Partners

By using this service, you accept the terms of our visitor agreement and privacy policy.
Registered site users, you may edit your profile.
Having trouble? Visit our help & FAQ.