Review of The Gold Rush (1925) by Johnny T — 06 Mar 2011

The blend of slapstick and pathos is seamless, although the cynicism of the final scene is still surprising. Chaplin's later films are quirkier and more personal, but this is quintessential Charlie, and unmissable. From the famous shoe-eating dinner to the dance of the dinner rolls, Chaplin's effortless mining of comedy and pathos is pure gold. The Gold Rush is a distinct triumph for Charlie Chaplin from both the artistic and commercial standpoints, and is a picture certain to create a veritable riot at theatre box offices. Curiously melancholy yet packed with laughs, the picture's funniest moments aren't even the famous ones.

VERDICT: "Full Price" - My second highest rating (Positive to Mixed reaction). This is a rating to a movie I view as very entertaining and well made, and definitely worth paying the full price at a theatre to see or own on DVD. It is not perfect, but it is definitely excellent.