Nicholas Nickleby
The Players: Charlie Hunnam, Jamie Bell, Nathan Lane, Alan Cumming, Jim Broadbent, Anne Hathaway, Christopher Plummer; directed by Doug McGrath (Emma)
The Skinny: Based on the classic Charles Dickens novel, the tale is set in 19th century England where we meet the resourceful Nicholas Nickleby (Hunnam) and his family. Their world changes dramatically when Nicholas’ father dies and they are left penniless. Subsequently, Nicholas and his family journey to London to live with their Uncle Ralph (Plummer), whom they soon discover is devising an evil plan to scatter them apart. Nicholas is sent away to work as a teacher at a school run by a cruel headmaster named Wackford Squeers (Broadbent), but he eventually runs away with one of his students, Smike (Bell), on a mission to protect–and reunite–his family.
The Bottom Line: Thankfully, this feature film version pares the long-winded book, admittedly full of colorful characters, down to a manageable two hours. Updating the story with a youthful cast will also make it more appealing, but ultimately it’s still a period piece. Oscars? Possibly. Box-office riches? Doubtful.
Opens: Dec. 27
