"Alfie" (2004)

Rating: R:15

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Directed By: Charles Shyer

Written By: Charles Shyer, Elaine Pope

Released: November 5^th, 2004 

Runtime: 105 minutes

Studio: Paramount Pictures

Summary:

British-born ladies' man Alfie (Jude Law) exploits his job as a New York City limousine driver to meet and sleep with attractive women -- which infuriates his pseudo-girlfriend Julie (Marisa Tomei), a single mom. His libertine lifestyle is interrupted, however, when his girl-crazy ways end up hurting his best friend, Marlon (Omar Epps). Desperate, Alfie attempts a go at monogamy with the ravishing Nikki (Sienna Miller), but even her good looks aren't enough to keep him out of trouble for long. 

Review:

This film started off very well. I liked Alfie’s continuously breaking the fourth wall in more or less every shot. Like all films that break the fourth wall it makes the film much more engaging. However, half way through or so into the film it started to drag on a bit I felt. The story was…so-so. Not the worst, but not as engaging as it started out. 

Jude Law fans will love it I’m sure of that. His charisma and charm flourishes. I haven't seen Michael Caine's 1966 version. I imagine being the original many people prefer it. Anyway they both come from completely different eras so I imagine there would be differences in character and plot enough to set them apart from one another. I can only judge this version for what it was, and Jude Law's performance for what it was. And to his credit it was a role that suited him well. Susan Sarandon is a wonderful actress as well.

I enjoyed it up to a point which is a shame because it seemed to have potential.

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