Stometer
Save your money for something good and enjoyable
Rio Hayward
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
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.
robtromp
Could not believe what was done with the only Dickens novel significantly set in the USA, and encapsulating his astute impressions of our country. The business in America was reduced to a simple land swindle, sans mention of the political corruption, boundless greed, and sanctimonious moralizing that plagues us to this day. A perfect example of corporate media censorship.The acting was first rate, but overemphasized characters that emphasized the completely different novel that was crafted out of Dickens' masterful storytelling. I'm sure they will explain that necessary cuts were made to make the story more cinematic and approachable. A pleasant fiction for the American TV market, who don't like to hear the truth about their beloved oligarchy.
TheLittleSongbird
Martin Chuzzlewit is perhaps not Dickens at his best but it has the ingredients that make him such a great author in the first place and it deserves to be better known. This 1994 adaptation is fabulous in all areas, one of the best Dickens adaptations of the past 25 years. The production values are splendidly evocative, not too bleak or too squeaky clean, and the adaptation is shot with natural skill. The dialogue is very Dickenesian, with its fair share of funny and affecting parts, while the story while leaving some things out is compelling and faithful in spirit and style to Dickens, respecting his work rather than disregarding it. The pace is just right, the drama is given time to breathe but there's no signs of tedium, while as to hope from a Dickens adaptation the characterisations are rich. Of the fine performances, Tom Wilkinson dominates, a brilliant performance and he hits the arrogant and hypocritical sides of Pecksniff spot on. Phillip Franks is incredibly moving as Tom Pinch. Paul Scofield's titular character is played with splendid dottiness and the much missed Pete Postlethwaite is superb, and we also have an unforgettably hilarious Elizabeth Spriggs and Keith Allen who has never been better. All in all, an underrated book given classic treatment. 10/10 Bethany Cox
jjnxn-1
Tremendous adaptation of the Dickens novel the author himself considered his best work. Perfectly cast in every role its difficult to single out any one as best. Scofield of course is brilliant but perhaps the real standout is Phillip Franks as Tom Pinch, outwardly an odd looking man who possesses a soul of great compassion and kindness he gives an emotional heart to the entire enterprise. Set in beautifully realized surroundings with impressive attention to detail and directed so that the story never bogs down and focuses too long on any one plot thread this is perfect for any fan of the BBC or classic literature.
Sam van den Berg
One of the best, nay the very best, adaptations of Dickens I've seen (well, with a screen writer like David Lodge, what would one expect?) Every single role is done to perfection; was there ever such a Pecksniffe, such a Montague Tigue (Rest in peace, Pete; you will be long missed), such a Chuzzlewit (either of the elder brothers)? Mrs Gamp (portrayed by an actress more often seen as an aristocratic lady!) is a triumph. But, Oh G*d, the sniveling younger Chuzzlewit and his shweeeet sweetheart are almost more than flesh and blood can bear (although Dickens had to do it for the audience of his time I guess). But young Martin bursting into tears when told "This is Eden" is a treat! But what a work of art -- even to the perfection of detail of the ever-loving and ever absent Mrs 'Arris! Sheer joy. (The one point denied out of ten is for one blubber too many by young Martin.)