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Alfie (2004)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:146
Fresh:72
Rotten:74
Average Rating:5.5/10
Rated: 15 [See Full Rating] for sexual content, some language and drug use
Runtime: 1 hr 45 mins
Genre: Comedies
Theatrical Release:22-10-2004
Synopsis: Jude Law stars in this trenchant dramatic-comedy, a remake of the 1966 British counterculture classic that launched the career of Michael Caine. This version is set in New York City and is pumped... Jude Law stars in this trenchant dramatic-comedy, a remake of the 1966 British counterculture classic that launched the career of Michael Caine. This version is set in New York City and is pumped up with giddy, cleverly experimental editing. The story has Alfie (Law), a Don Juan-esque limo driver, speaking directly to the camera as he seduces the lovely ladies of the city. Eventually he's forced to take stock of the damage he's caused, and acknowledge the emptiness at the core of his chosen lifestyle. Playing the role of Alfie requires a fine balancing act from Law--he must be so charming that he seduces both the audience and himself, while also conveying the self-delusion and sadness at the character's core--and Law is up for the challenge, expertly conveying glimpses of the unfathomed depth beneath his polished shallowness. Equally good are his array of conquests, including Marisa Tomei as a single mom, Sienna Miller as a mood-swinging party girl, and Susan Sarandon as a rich older woman. A soundtrack by Mick Jagger and David Stewart (Eurythmics) adds liberal dollops of self-aware rock & roll melancholy. Dick Latessa is great as an old man who offers Alfie some sage advice, and Omar Epps plays the screwed-over limo driving buddy. [More]
Starring: Jude Law, Marisa Tomei, Susan Sarandon, Sienna Miller
Starring: Jude Law, Marisa Tomei, Susan Sarandon, Sienna Miller, Omar Epps, Jane Krakowski, Nia Long, Gedde Watanabe, Dick Latessa, Renee Taylor
Director: Charles Shyer
Director: Charles Shyer
Screenwriter: Elaine Pope, Charles Shyer
Producer: Elaine Pope, Charles Shyer
Composer: Mick Jagger, David A. Stewart
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Reviews for Alfie
Charles Shyer (who processed the Parent Trap and Father of the Bride updates) plays coy with most matters sexual—an odd and puritanical approach to a character who molds his entire existence around the procurement and enjoyment of sex.
This funnier, glossier Alfie is a mite too watered down. In the end, we're having so much fun we don't feel his soul-sickness. It's lightweight desolation.
Alfie talks into the camera like Ferris Bueller, hoping the viewer is petty enough to relate to his narcissism.
'Alfie is a funny, breezy film. Law is especially sexy, sultry and charming to watch. I'm not convinced, though, that it needs to be seen on the big screen.'
'If I learned anything from this movie, it's to be careful about over-applying cologne.'
Shyer is the last guy on earth who could reimagine the scary thrill of 1966 sex in 2004.
If there is such a thing as the postmodern relationship ... then director Charles Shyer has come maddeningly close to objectifying it with 'Alfie.'
The music in the film was fantastic and I waited through the end credits to hear the signature song.
The question of 'Why?' (more than 'What's it all about?) still lingers where this remake is concerned.
Alfie no longer has its bite. Sure, there's plenty of bad behavior, but Jude Law's Alfie is, as scoundrels go, a pretty nice guy.
If there was ever a film that begged not to be remade, the 1966 black comedy Alfie is screaming to be left alone in a loud Cockney accent.
Law ... gives an honest, pitch-perfect performance in a film that is otherwise unremarkable.
Alfie smacks its dog with a rolled-up newspaper and then feels guilty about it. This one has star power and nothing else, y’know what I mean?
Jude Law, of course, plays Alfie, and the casting is right on target. ... His smile can disarm even the most jaded.
Latest News for Alfie
September 07, 2006:
Jude Law to Reprise Michael Caine Again in "Sleuth" Remake
He did it in "Alfie," and he'll do it again. Jude Law will star in the remake of the 1972 thriller, "Sleuth," as an adulterous hairdresser opposite Michael... More...
November 02, 2005:
Hoffman & Shyer Sign on for "Less"
Variety reports that director Charles Shyer has been tapped to direct the Dustin Hoffman comedy "Father Knows Less" for New Line. And if you're even a little familiar... More...
August 18, 2005:
In Other News...P. Diddy, Madonna, and Jude Law
Make note, world -- Sean Combs, hip-hop producer, aspiring actor, and professional celeb extraordinaire -- is making a change. As of this month, when the entertainer will... More...
July 18, 2005:
In Other News: Marital Edition...Jude Law, Sandra Bullock, and Frankie Muniz
In Other News is back, with marital highs and lows alike to keep you gossip-mongers happy...starting with "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" star Jude Law, whose... More...
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