Maidexpl Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

Paynbob It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Isbel A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Logan By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

bkoganbing Charles Dickens classic Nicholas Nickleby gets a fine remake in this 2002 version with Charles Hunnam in the title role. Definitely the prettiest Nickleby you'll find in any version. I would expect nothing less from a star in Queer As Folk. He and Anne Hathaway certainly make an attractive pair of lovers.In fact though Hunnam's very bisexual appeal gives an added dimension to this version. The relationship with young Smike played tenderly and touchingly by Jamie Bell is what drives this particular story. The best scene in the film is the death scene of the crippled and sickly Smike with Jamie Bell giving so far a career role performance.Hunnam's antagonist throughout the film is his Uncle Ralph played by Christopher Plummer. He's the rich older brother of Hunnam and Romola Garai's father who makes out like he's interested in their welfare. In fact he sends young Nicholas to a cruel school run by Jim Broadbent and his wife Juliet Stevenson. As for Garai he essentially uses her as a come on to rich and dissolute minor nobility so they'll invest with his brokerage house.After giving Broadbent a well deserved thrashing Nicholas escapes the school with the crippled and sickly Bell. There is definitely a very homoerotic tinge to their relationship in their scenes together. In his short life Bell has experienced nothing but cruelty. Basically he falls in love with the first person who has shown him kindness and the fact that Hunnam is one beautiful twink is a bonus. All their scenes are beautifully played and will move you to tears.As for the end, let's say a lot of Plummer's sins come back to haunt him in the end and the Nickleby name is no longer disgraced. This is a wonderful version of the Dickens classic with an outstanding performance by Jamie Bell.

Armand it is a pure Dickens. the spirit of novel, the details of its universe, the splendid acting - Jamie Bell is the great revelation - are pieces of a lovely sensitive film who can not only seduce but be an admirable discover. because it is a beautiful movie and its beauty is result not only for the inspiration of director and exemplary choice of cast but for the recreation, with care and precision, of a world atmosphere, the powerful images, the great performance, the Dickens spirit, together, makes the entire work more than a common adaptation. work of extraordinary actors, it is a real joy for viewer. and that is important. so, see it !

caroledelm I have been watching our DVD box set of the 1982 mini-series, "The Life And Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" again.I had avoided the 2002 version until this evening when it appeared on TV. I think a good job was done in getting this massive production into 2 hours. I pretty much like the cast in the film, but was appalled when I found that Barry Humphries played Mrs. Crummles! What an insult to Lila Kaye, who was the perfect Mrs. C. BTW, I'm also in the process of re-reading my copy of Dickens' book, which also confirms that Ms. Kaye was right for the part. Alan Cumming was as always, delightful & perfect for his role. It was worth the time just to enjoy those eyes & that devilish smile.

Khemaluck Deeprawat I rented this movie because it receives 7.3 average scores from the votes in IMDb.com However, it was a little disappointing. The film did not capture my interest that much. I think it's because the main character is an all too-good gentleman. The evil is just plain evil. It's like watching an old movie that wants to teach and uplift moral in society. Well, good intention, but a bit preachy and boring. The conversation is too long and some are unnecessary. The story is just nothing but a series of hardship that one has to go through, but somehow Nicholas seems to know it all how to deal with the obstacles in his life. What's fun about that? He already knows that he will win and the story does not make it too difficult for him to win. Actually, in the beginning when he was sent to that horrible school and finally stood up against the evil couple and helped the poor crippled boy, I was shouting in my mind 'Go,Nick,Go! You must do it. Don't let them hurt that poor boy!' That part was very good and very moving. But after that, our Nicholas becomes the know-it-all hero who looks like a knight in shiny armour. He rescues everyone. He is a real gentleman with no flaw. That's really the weakest point of this film. Don't get me wrong. This is not a terrible film or anything. It's well intended and the story is harmless for viewers of all ages. The acting is fine. The cinematography, the lighting, the scenery, are very beautiful. It's just that the story is a bit too dragging and the characters are too flat. That's all. I still want to recommend this as a family movie, the one you can watch with young children and let them see example of true gentleman. It's better than let them watch something full of gun, blood, and swearing.