SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

Protraph Lack of good storyline.

Console best movie i've ever seen.

Tayyab Torres Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

HotToastyRag If you grew up idolizing Michael Caine in 1966's Alfie, or have already seen that version before the remake was released, you probably won't like the 2004 version. If you belong the modern generation and have never seen the original Alfie, you won't really be that phased by the remake. There's a very simple reason why the remake didn't work: the story isn't shocking anymore.Back in the sixties, a man who slept around with countless women and didn't commit to any of them was a cad. If he got a girl pregnant and refused to marry her, he was despicable. Nowadays, that type of behavior is normal. Men and women have casual sex without a second thought, and pregnancy isn't the drastic life-changer it used to be. Abortions are more readily available and less taboo and scary, so if a girl is faced with the prospect of being an unwed mother, it just doesn't have the same dramatic pull as it did in 1966.There are countless films in this modern era that showcase, if not glorify, a man's collection of bedroom partners. In 1966, Alfie was revolutionary and instantly made Michael Caine a household name. The remake just isn't the same, despite the filmmakers' attempt to shock audiences by including an interracial relationship.That being said, if you like Jude Law, there's nothing wrong with his performance, and he does look awfully handsome in this movie. If you're in the mood for a light comedy—with a couple of scenes that attempt to be dramatic—with lots of good-looking people sleeping together, you can rent Alfie. Just don't expect it to stick with you like the original did.Kiddy warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to sexual content, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.

ironhorse_iv 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.

Python Hyena Alfie (2004): Dir: Charles Shyer / Cast: Jude Law, Marisa Tomei, Omar Epps, Nia Long, Susan Sarandon: Remake of the 1966 British film starring Michael Caine. This time Jude Law plays the title role as a limousine driver involved with numerous women for sexual conquests only to dump them when things become too close. Directed by Charles Shyer who is backed with fine location work and a charismatic performance by Law whose lifestyle seems free spirited until consequences hit a rather sour note. Marisa Tomei plays an ex girlfriend who is there to teach him some life lesson. Law regrets actions he took with her. Perhaps he feels guilt due to her sincerity, which is something he lacked in his flings. Omar Epps plays a co-worker who seeks Law's help in getting back together with his girlfriend, played by Nia Long but unfortunately it turns into an affair and Long becomes pregnant. It isn't difficult to predict how this situation turns out. Susan Sarandon makes a great cameo as an older woman whom Alfie becomes involved with. The performances are convicting with hints of humour throughout. Theme regards taking relationships for granted and how we can hurt others through senseless actions. While the conclusion bears lessons, it is somewhat unpleasant but Law's performance carries through bearing all convictions of broken relationships. Score: 7 / 10

garyandtodd Actually, I think this is an excellent movie, and that with time critics will appreciate just how remarkable it is. First, it is a rarity in that it successfully updates an original that, while ahead of its time at its release, now plays like a period piece. The original explores the limitations and pathos of a man trapped in the uncertainty and personal anarchy of the 1960s sexual liberation—a liberation we now take for granted. This remake explores pathos of many men who fail to achieve an ethics of love and sex in the 21st century in light of that liberation.Michael Caine's Alfie is brought up short by the discovery that a carefree love life exacts a great price. He just can't swallow that rude truth. Jude Law's Alfie isn't fazed that there's a price—everyone in 2005 knows that. He's thrown by the realization that he's missing something fundamental in life, and worse yet, he lacks the equipment to understand what that something is. It's not that he can't face the truth—he's willing to face it, but he doesn't know how to look for it. I know quite a few men like this, and similar to Law's Alfie, they're not horrible people. They want to do the right thing and they want to find love. But they've never learned the vocabulary of love—it's as if everyone who has found it is speaking a foreign language. They've divorced themselves from the rest of us, or we've divorced them, which amounts to the same thing. That's why this film seems strangely empty—this Alfie can't even connect with people well enough to tell us what's really wrong with him.Law does a very good job portraying this lost soul, with only occasional awkwardness or unsubtlety. And the cast of women gets it exactly right, down to the last detail. The pacing and narration, purposely anachronistic—hearkening to "simpler" times—is flawless. And yes, it is a very beautiful film, visually and musically. Come back to this movie in six or eight years, or after age forty, and you'll see its value.