I thought the idea for this "modern update" was pretty in tune with Dickens' examination of the humanity in the castaways of society. However, the execution of this idea all but forgot about showing the humanity. The casting was pretty good, especially with the innocent Oliver (Joshua Close), and much of the script was written rather well. My big problem with the movie is the lack of development. We learn a lot about Dodge (at least enough to explain his actions), but it really felt like his complicated past wasn't treated in enough depth. The scenes with his brother were not written too well, or perhaps not acted very well, because you really didn't get enough of a feeling for what tormenting emotions these two were going through. Many of the characters don't get enough development, so you don't get to see glimpses of their humanity and compassion shining through the squalor. In fact, other than Oliver, the only character that even shows an inkling of caring for the welfare of others is Nancy. The other boys, including Dodge, just do their own thing, and there isn't a sense of them banding together to survive. Fagin doesn't get to show any of the underlying compassion he's supposed to have.
This movie comes across as depressing, and with good reason. While more faithful adaptations of Oliver Twist have the uplifting quality of people trying to leave their bad conditions, this movie just shows people sinking deeper into the muck. Perhaps this was intended by the writer/director, but the execution makes the movie less than memorable. 7/10. The movie had potential, but didn't use it.
*******************SPOILER ALERT**********************************
Another commenter mentions that Dodge goes off in the end to kill the Senator. Dodge doesn't kill the Senator, he kills Bill. He kills the man who caused all this turmoil for him and the other characters. He kills the man who has essentially filled the role of his father as abuser.
This movie comes across as depressing, and with good reason. While more faithful adaptations of Oliver Twist have the uplifting quality of people trying to leave their bad conditions, this movie just shows people sinking deeper into the muck. Perhaps this was intended by the writer/director, but the execution makes the movie less than memorable. 7/10. The movie had potential, but didn't use it.
*******************SPOILER ALERT**********************************
Another commenter mentions that Dodge goes off in the end to kill the Senator. Dodge doesn't kill the Senator, he kills Bill. He kills the man who caused all this turmoil for him and the other characters. He kills the man who has essentially filled the role of his father as abuser.