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Nicholas Nickleby When you start of with a novel by one of the greatest writers in history, you are probably going to have a decent movie. Sure, Charles Dickens can write a novel, but it's up to director Douglas McGrath to boil it all down to a 2 hour movie while staying true enough to the story that the fans won't be upset. It's a challenge, but the final product is enjoyable. Charles Hunnam plays Nicholas Nickleby - a young man in the late 1800's who needs help. His father has lost everything and dies, leaving young Nicholas alone and penniless in the world with the responsibility of taking care of his mother and sister. Without any other place to turn, he takes them to London to get help from his evil Uncle Ralph (Christopher Plummer). Without an ounce of love in his heart, the dastardly man decides to use the family for his own gain. Uncle Ralph gets Nicholas a job teaching at a boarding school far away from London, but the young idealist is horrified by the conditions and how the headmaster, Wackford Spears (Jim Broadbent), treats the children. Eventually, he decides that he won't stand idly by. Will Nicholas fight back against the headmaster? Will he become a man and face off with his evil Uncle? Nicholas Nickleby is much more than the story of what happens at the boarding school, but to tell you more would ruin the epic, adventurous tale (unless you already read the novel by Charles Dickens and know everything that is going to happen). While the acting is fine and other technical aspects of the film are well done, Nicholas Nickleby is a good movie because it has a good story. It's a story about growing up and becoming an adult who can stand on your own two feet. Along the way, Nicholas learns about his own inner strength, his abilities and his own sense of right and wrong. Hunnam does a good job showing us how the young inexperienced boy becomes a man, and rightfully shows the growing strength within the young man. After appearing in the stinker Abandon earlier this year, it's good to see that Hunnam can act and knows how to pick better material. This is the kind of role that will lead to much better stuff for him if he's smart. While Hunnam is the central figure in the film, it's the supporting players that make Nicholas Nickleby so unforgettable. Plummer brings a sadistic glee to his evil character that is necessary and impressive. If Ralph Nickleby were just a coldhearted devil, the film would be too heavy to be enjoyable. However, Plummer's take makes his behavior a little easier to bear, while also establishing a credible and imposing antagonist for our hero. Other supporting players also help lighten the tone. Look for cameos by Timothy Spall, Alan Cumming and Nathan Lane. Each one is hilarious. Nicholas Nickleby isn't Oscar material (the middle is a little boring, some of the stories need more explanation), but it's certainly a good film that will make you feel like your money was well spent. Grade: A- Copyright 2003 - WaffleMovies.com
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