Review of Oliver Twist (2005) by Aidan H — 18 Nov 2008

Polanski attempts to create a classic version of the old pot-boiler but only succeeds in giving us another Dickens cartoon. In other hands, Tim Burton's, for example, this could have been a new and exciting departure from the normal chocolate box traipse around cobbly, Victorian London but the danger and horror of the storyline is lost in comedy-lite characterisations, poorly-tinted backdrops and the interminably ennui-inducing blandnessof its titular hero, played with complete lack of interest or professionalism by young Barney Clarke.

All of the orphans looked like they'd just stepped off the hospitality trailer on the last Harry Potter film and the acting of the Beadle etc. was hammy enough to appeal to any American tourist in denial about workhouse cruelty.

All that was missing from this mess was a live audience baying: 'He's behind you!' Not for me, obviously, but an evident addition to other cutesy yuletide cheese such as the Muppet's Christmas Carol or Miracle on 64th St.

Two stars for Syke's dog and some of the art direction.