Oliver Twist

By Jane Louise Boursaw

Average User Rating:

MPAA Rating: PG-13

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Orphaned at an early age, Oliver Twist (Barney Clark) is forced to live in a workhouse, lorded over by the awful Mr. Bumble (Jeremy Swift), who cheats the boys out of their meager rations. Desperate but determined, Oliver escapes and makes his way to the streets of London. Penniless and alone, he's lured into a world of crime by the sinister Mr. Fagin (Ben Kingsley), the mastermind of a gang of pint-sized pickpockets. Oliver's rescue by the kindly Mr. Brownlow (Edward Hardwicke) is only the beginning of a series of adventures that lead him to the promise of a better life.

PRE-SCHOOLER (ages 2-5): This movie is too intense for youngsters. A good alternative is Oliver & Company, the delightful cartoon version released in 1988, voiced by Joey Lawrence, Billy Joel, Cheech Marin, Bette Midler, and others.

GRADE-SCHOOLER (ages 6-10): "Please, Sir, I want some more." Who can forget the image of little Oliver, begging for more meat in a poverty-stricken orphanage? It's heart-breaking, which is why---along with the mean characters who knock Oliver around--this movie might be a bit much for this age group. On the other hand, it could also be a good way to introduce your kids (especially those eight and up) to this classic tale of a boy's perseverance, but only if you think they're mature enough to handle the themes of orphaned kids, poverty and abuse.

TWEEN/TEEN (ages 11+): Tweens and teens will love seeing Dickens brought to the big screen. The director has done an awesome job of bringing 19th century London to life in all its nitty-gritty details. The characters, music and settings make this a wonderful film and a great representation of the book. Young Barney Clark shines as Oliver, somehow managing to blend adult determination, subtle tenderness, and a childlike sense of joy about life, even amidst turmoil. His performance alone is worth the price of the movie ticket.

Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries.