Oliver!

Rating:
Summary: Charmingly performed British classic!
Review: To correct another viewer's statement - this is an all-British classic! It is a superb production with charming performances by Mark Lester and Jack Wild, fantastic choreography and star input from Ron Moody and Oliver Reed (Fagin/Bill Sikes). Every one should see it at least once, if only so they know where 'Consider Yourself' comes from.

Rating:
Summary: Hummable tunes-appluasable choreography-laughable acting.
Review: Oliver! is an interesting mix of hummable tunes, applausable choreography, and laughable acting. Lionel Bart is obviously a very gifted song and playwright, for his musical score for this film is absolutely marvelous. And yet...when the feverishly un-quirky Mark Lester toddles on to the screen for his first solo(during "Food, Glorious Food!"), Mr. Bart must've wet himself. True- as Bill Sikes, I can't tell whether Oliver Reed is actually TRYING to be evil, or he just has no idea as to how to act; and as Nancy, it is impossible to dissect whether Shani Wallis is being compassionate or just as evil as her husband(though she has a wonderful singing voice). But the most execrable performance of all is that of Oliver, himself. As the title character, Mark Lester gives a performance that is the equivalent of a garden rock- flat and dull. I can't decide what about him I hate most: his airy, paper-like voice or the fact that the poor child can't act his way out of a paper bag. I know people will hate me for this, but when one is at the brink of death, trapped atop a rickety old building, don't you think one would at least TRY to look scared? I would, but I guess Mark Lester is trying to prove otherwise. Of course, the film does have it's jewels: the cityfolk parading merrily through the streets during "Consider Yourself," the enchanting ballad "As Long As He Needs Me," and "Who Will Buy?," one of the best musical production numbers that I've ever seen. The art/set direction makes you feel as though they are right in 19th century London(a much-deserved Academy Award was won here, among other areas). And Jack Wild and Ron Moody both give great performances as a young pick-pocket and his guardian. But at the heart of the film, the performances are plastic, which(while not totally destructive) is detrimental to the film. Sir Carol Reed had the right idea, but the performances leave no room to make this average film musical a classic.

Rating:
Summary: This movie is a self-help guide to pickpocketing.
Review: This was one of those films that looks bad until you get into it, then it's actually worth while. Everyone in the movie looks like they could use a good scrubbing or bath. Bill Sykes is one of the most vile villans in the movie world. I mean he's just evil. Overall, I would say this is a movie for all ages. There are only two death scenes in the whole movie; one is when the bad guy dies and the other isn't even shown. I say buy it and see for yourself. This movie will suprise you.

Rating:
Summary: it was a good movie
Review: I love this movie! Musicals have never really been able to entertain me much, but this cheerful little boy's story did. All the characters were easy to relate to, whether you liked them or not. Most stories/movies with a moral or some sort of a cheerful ending don't usually catch my eye. I'd probably end up seeing an action or comedy film before watching this, but I'm fairly happy for the change of pace. This movie gets 5 *s, not just because of the cast or story line. It is one of the few good musicals still left in the world. I think it'd be interesting to see some sort of a 90's remake, with Leo deCaprio as Oliver. In any case, agree, disagree, opinions are your own, but this is one movie that'll change your feelings towards musicals.

Rating:
Summary: When a child deserve an Oscar "Mark Lester"
Review: A most for any family that love and teach the art of play and perform

Rating:
Summary: CHECK OUT DAVID LEAN'S BRILLIANT 1948 VERSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: WHY is this solid musical adaptation more popular than DAVID LEAN'S masterful 1948 version???!! MARKETING, that's why!!! Well, forget the ad people!!!!! Alec Guinness's Fagin is more true-to-life; Robert Newton SO much more terrifying as Bill Sikes; and Mark Lester is cute, but John Howard Davies can ACT!!! Please see my review (and Amazon's) for the Criterion DVD edition of "Oliver Twist" (1948)!! When you see this under-publicized MASTERPIECE, every other movie will seem ordinary!!!!!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Now I know!! Flickamalaria!
Review: I never knew why my father was always singing songs like 'Food Glorious Food' when we went to the super table and such....then I rented this movie! What I liked most about this movie (although I am singing the songs everywhere I go) is the characters. I'd read the book and had I summary from my father, but The Artful Dodger was amazing, I love that little sneak!! I also enjoed Fagin and Nacy, and of course, little innocent Oliver. If you want to see a glimpse of some really neat people and their lives, rent this movie!! :o) Stephanie Piecy

Rating:
Summary: Very poor audio, considering Dolby 5.1
Review: The case says that the soundtrack is re-recorded in Dolby 5.1 Digital. Don't be fooled. All the songs are in stereo only. There is no surround sound at all except for two crowd scenes. Big deal. Dont waste your money.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best musicals ever made!
Review: A lot of movies based on very famous books have made me badly surprised until I saw this one. This is one of the best movies I've ever seen! Superb actors and songs make this movie to an unforgettable one! A warning... When you've seen it, I'm sure you're going to sing this wonderful songs by yourself for mounths!!

Rating:
Summary: Oliver Sparkles!
Review: Good Old-fashioned homemade hot chocolate pudding is what OLIVER! is. Ron Moody, not Jack Wild, steals the show with funny songs like "Pick a Pocket or Two" and "Reviewing the Situation." All the songs are accompanied by epic-sized production. This is wonderful wholesome fun. Please check it out. You will not be disappointed.