SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

SunnyHello Nice effects though.

Konterr Brilliant and touching

Aneesa Wardle The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

ianlouisiana There is a lovely Kingsley Amis interview by Simon Raven available on Youtube that dates from 1957.In it he discusses his masterpiece "Lucky Jim" and puts Jim not so much pro - Socialist but Anti - Tory,a nice distinction that this 2003,TV adaptation conveys very well. Of course,the Socialism on display is anyway very much of the "Champagne" variety beloved of New Labour by then into their second term. Jim Dixon is not,Amis insists,based on himself. Mr S.Tomlinson conveys an unworldliness typical of Academia,that somehow can come over as the absolute certainty that he is right about everything until he finds out for himself that he's wrong. The film is set at the dawn of the New Elizabethan Age when Brits were probably entitled to think that a new era of optimism and affluence was about to begin. Near full employment,the end of rationing,the relaxing of export regulations all pointed to a sunny tomorrow. But chaps like Jim Dixon,bright,Northern,working class,could see through all that to the rottenness at the core of British Society as exemplified by the University System and it blithe acceptance of its own superiority. He appears as intent on upsetting the status quo as Mr R.Hardy and his fellows are on perpetuating it. Beset by contradictions and temptations on all sides,Dixon navigates his way to personal redemption. Mr Tomlinson is excellent,as different from Mr I.Carmichael in the original movie as can be.He does not have Mr Carmichael's "silly ass" persona which gives his Dixon a lot more credibility if not quite so much likability. This is a well - made and considered adaptation of a seminal mid - century English novel by a man who just at present has had a posthumous career setback brought on by politically correct hindsight. In due time he will regain his temporarily mislaid eminence and this 2003 TV film will then be ready for re - assessment as one of the best productions of the first decade of the present century.

Valerio I forget the details of the novel, so can't comment on the quality of the adaptation. The characterisation was not deep, so I expect something was lost there: every character was easily identifiable with s single foible or virtue, and I found this rather annoying. But the dramatic weakness made for good comedy. Similarly double-edged was the handling of the plot: every development was so clearly signalled that there wasn't the slightest possibility of anyone in the audience getting lost - not even me, and I too frequently get lost in the plots of films! But again it made it all seem rather superficial. Apart from these criticisms, though, I thought it was well-nigh perfect: not a classic, but a delightfully amusing and vivid period piece, which I would watch again with pleasure. Brilliant performances by all the cast, and handled with a sure touch by the entire production team.

keystone_cop17 I happened to enjoy this film adaptation of the novel "Lucky Jim". I thought that the performances were of a fine nature and, unlike another one of these fine reviewers, I was rooting for Jim to get the girl. He's the underdog, and indeed looks the part. I think it was an appropriate casting choice. Now, I have not read the book, and I probably never will, however I know when I see an entertaining film. It is not breathtakingly brilliant or life changing, sure, but everything can't be. I was very much taken with the story, and felt that I could empathize with Jim immensely. I also enjoyed the use of the song "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" in it's various forms. Overall a good production, I would recommend it those seeking my recommendation. I give it three out of four stars.

barry-106 I approached this TV film with distrust: TV is not usually very good at re-creating 1950s Britain, and I have to admit a prejudice when I say I think only the BBC can do it well. But this one was spot on. Of course, it comes from a first-class comic novel, and Jack Rosenthal's adaptation was as good as anything he has done. Stephen Tompkinson was outstanding as the very first of the 'angry young men' of the 50s. One other reviewer said he/she didn't empathise with the character and that he was wooden: what I believe he re-created to perfection was the 'square peg' syndrome of a young socialist, working-class Northerner at university in England in the 1950s. Tompkinson is an actor in a classic British tradition. Helen McCrory also gave the most delightful performance I have seen on the screen in ages. Much credit, too, to the designers, who re-created the period perfectly, even down to the poster for the dance, an affectionate echo of the Festival of Britain in that same year. A superb production that I wish I could get on DVD.