Barnes & Noble

In this sophisticated remake of the 1966 smash that made Michael Caine an international star, Jude Law plays the charming Cockney womanizer who consistently fails to realize how much pain he inflicts on the people with whom he interacts. The setting is New York rather than London, but Alfie is basically the same: an irrepressible playboy who puts his transitory amusement above everything else. Working as a limo driver, he encounters women of various types, from all walks of life: among them, a fabulously wealthy socialite (Susan Sarandon); a beautiful but dull-witted model (Sienna Miller, with whom Law forged a long-term off-screen relationship); and a sexually frustrated wife (Jane Krakowski). But Alfie’s conquests don’t stop there; he even manages to bed his best friend’s lover (Nia Long). And all the while he’s pretending to carry on a serious relationship with a single mom (Marisa Tomei) who genuinely loves him. Writer-director Charles Shyer (of the Father of the Bride films) makes his insouciant protagonist just likable enough to retain audience sympathy -- a not-inconsiderable feat, given Alfie’s irresponsible antics. Law essays the role with brio, addressing the audience frequently in conspiratorial asides and obviously relishing his dalliances with a succession of desirable women. He’s perfect for the role, being an even more irresistible Alfie than Caine was. But he also exhibits just enough vulnerability to make himself appealing even when he’s being a cad. Jude Law was in a lot of movies in 2004 -- six, to be specific -- but this was the most nuanced, underappreciated turn in his very busy year. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

This remake of Lewis Gilbert's 1966 film of the same name features Jude Law filling the shoes Michael Caine once wore in the title role of Alfie. As with the original, Law occasionally speaks directly to the camera while his character talks of the opposite sex. Under the direction of Charles Shyer, Alfie follows a charming, if morally lacking, womanizer from one bed to the next. While his actions arise more from nonchalance than malice, Alfie nonetheless faces a moral dilemma when considering that he's impregnated one of his latest girlfriends. Alfie also includes performances from Marisa Tomei, Susan Sarandon, and Nia Long. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide

Product Details

• UPC: 097363417545
• Source: PARAMOUNT
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Editions: Special Edition
• Time: 1:45:00
• Sales Rank: 28,898

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