Review: Alfie

Posted by: Tom Milroy  •  November 5, 2004 @ 11:59am

Filed under: Reviews

The original Alfie was set in 1960s London. Feeling North American audiences wouldn't "get" that, the producers set the re-make in present day New York, but they do have Alfie riding a scooter. That's to make sure we understand Alfie is from England, not a real American.

So what's this movie all about? It's about a young man who lives to regret his carefree ways. As you may have heard, Jude Law plays the title role and he's dependable as always. The director is Charles Shyer, whose credits include Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride 2. Despite those two horrible movies, he does a fine job here, but does Alfie have to break down the fourth wall in every scene (Alfie speaks directly to the camera and that means us)?

Anyway, Alfie is what they call a "cad". He has a girlfriend, played by Marisa Tomei, but she's a single mom. He cheats on her with a character played by Jane Krakowski. He has a fling with an older woman, played by the always elegant Susan Sarandon. He finally meets "the one", as played by real-life girlfriend Sienna Miller. But Alfie soon grows tired of her and bolts. As he tries to get back into the arms of Susan Sarandon, alas, it's too late. She's involved with a younger man.

This is a good movie, not a great movie. But you know what's great? The soundtrack. I'm a sucker for Mick Jagger. That's what it's all about.