ironhorse_iv Review of Alfie

Alfie (2004)

Alfie is quite the ladies' man. However, this movie is no smooth operator. This movie was kinda rough. It wasn't that good. It was meh.

[5/10 · 29 August 2016]

Written, directed and produced by Charles Shyer, and based on the 1966 British film of the same name which in return is adapted from a novel and play of the same name by Bill Naughton, this American remake tells the story of a single womanizing New York Limo Driver, named Alfie Elkins (Jude Law) whom is trying to change his Hedonism lifestyle, before its starts hurting the people, around him. Without spoiling the movie, too much, I have to say, this is one remake that shouldn't existed. After all, the original movie was made at a time, where a carefree existence was somewhat of a new thing & then-taboo subject matter. So, it makes sense for Michael Caine's Alfie to be, somewhat of an unlikeable womanizer. He cheats on numerous women, and despite his confidence towards women, he treats them with disrespect and refers to them as "it", using them for sex and for domestic purposes. However, with Jude Law's version, he far too likable and charming than the 1966's version. He's too proper. He wasn't as much as a jerk and detached, as the original character is supposed to be. In many ways, this version of Alfie, seem less of a sexual predator than Michael Caine and more like a normal human being. So, for the most part, it made for a more enjoyable watch, than the original movie. However, it's not as memorable, as the first movie, as 1966's 'Alfie' was an edgy produce of the time. In 2004, it is far more common for men and women to sleep around, and also have a child outside the traditional rules; but in 1966, that was not common. Even the thoughts of abortion, is a no-no. I think that's the problem with this movie. It's not shocking anymore! Plus, there is barely any new stakes to modernize the dated source material. Honestly, the movie would had work better, if Alfie was more ass. Then, his fail redemption story would felt more tragic than it was. I didn't feel invested as I should. It wasn't engaging to me. It's a lot of first world Casanova conflicts that most people can't relate to. I would rather see him, deal with more modern day normal sexual problems, like STDs, complex sexual preferences, and time-management. Plus, as a comedy. This movie isn't that funny. Even the comical erectile dysfunction joke seem a bit limp. Also, the jokes are repetitive as hell. It doesn't have that, Woody Allen unique style, 'break the fourth wall' charm. It could had been a little clever in the way, it deliver that. Yet, it still has some cool moments in the beginning of the film, but for the most part, it wasn't anything new, toward the end. The 'break the fourth wall' pacing became to drag on, a little too much. Despite that, the supporting casting is well done. Marisa Tomei as Julie was amazing. You really hope for them to get together, even in the end. Susan Sarandon is a perfect fit for the rich MILF role that Shelley Winters used to bring, in the original movie. It also nice to see, some diversity, with African-American actors & actresses, playing Alfie's best friend, Marlon (Omar Epps) and love-interest, Lonette (Nia Long). However, I didn't like the Asian roles like Wing (Gedde Watanabe) in this film. I found them to be a bit stereotypical, and somewhat offensive racist. If there were performance from the supporting cast, I didn't like; it would be, with Jude Law's then, real-life girlfriend, Sienna Miller as Nikki. I found her character to be minor with barely anything to show, besides lot of scenes of nudity. I know, her character was written that way so he miss Julie more, but it was highly disappointing. The whole montage sequence, kinda under-minded what she could had shown. Despite that, the movie is beautifully shot. Lots of bright colors to lighten the dark mood of the film. The music score composed by rock-star Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart and John Powell wasn't that bad, either. For the song "Old Habits Die Hard" Mick Jagger and David A. Stewart won the BFCA Award, the Golden Globe, a Sierra Award and the World Soundtrack. Yet it's nothing worth getting exciting about. It sounds like generic run of the mill, early 2000s rock music at the time. Nothing memorable. Further songs by Wyclef Jean and The Isley Brothers were the same. Overall: Hey Jude! You're a good actor, but this remake wasn't that good. At least, it is way better than 1975's sequel to the original movie, 'Alfie Darling' with Alan Price replacing Michael Caine. That movie was horrible. In the end, 2004's 'Alfie' was a box office bomb, not because it was bad. It was because of its mediocre. I really can't recommended watching it. It was a pointless watch.