Oliver! (1968) - 7 stars out of 10

Oliver! (1968) - 7 stars out of 10

"Oliver!" is a classic musical and this film version is a masterpiece.  I wouldn't call it perfection, but all of its aspects pull together to create a memorable experience that will embed Lionel Bart's catchy tunes in your brain for weeks after you watch.  The casting is wonderful, from Ron Moody's conniving performance as Fagin to Mark Lester's innocence as Oliver (even if they dubbed over his singing with a female voice).  Shani Wallis accomplishes two character dynamics as Nancy, first as the appealing girlfriend and then snapping into the matronly figure around the urchins.  The performance that left the biggest impression on me is Oliver Reed, making Bill Sikes truly evil and yet making the character's rash actions seem understandible.  It is no surprise that this film won six of its eleven Oscar nominations with its elaborate period sets and costumes.  My only complaint is that a lot of the musical sequences became long-winded and began to lose my interest.  This musical does not need to be 2 1/2 hours long to properly develop the characters, present the plot, and create a sense of time passing by.  "I'd... do... anyfin..." to shorten this movie, but I truly believe that Carol Reed directed a winner with this musical adaptation that does justice to Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist."