David Copperfield (2000)

Wonderfully eccentric Dickens characters populate this production of David Copperfield, thanks to brilliant casting and acting. Peggoty, Wilkins Micawber, Uriah Heep -- all are here in full caricature as director Simon Curtis dramatizes one of English literature's most oft-told and best-loved stories. Delightful performances abound: Bob Hoskins is so good as Micawber, David's ne'er-do-well friend for whom a job is always about to "turn up," that he may well replace W.C. Fields as the definitive film Micawber. Hoskins is warm, funny, generous -- a philanthropist with nothing to give. Careful not to unduly hyperbolize his character, Hoskins infuses him with just enough idiosyncrasy to make him wholly human and perfectly Dickensian. Just as remarkable as Hoskins' performance is Maggie Smith's as David's aunt and protector, Betsey Trotwood. She has spit and fire, and woe unto anyone who dares to tread upon her garden or threaten the interests of young David. With her lashing tongue, she easily overmatches cruel Mr. Murdstone Trevor Eve and his wicked witch of a sister -- with the help, of course, of Mr. Dick Ian McNiece, who is as benign as he is rotund. As Creakle, Ian McKellen deserves a ten on the scale of cruelty for complacently nibbling on cheese while telling David that his mother has died. Nicholas Lyndhurst is suitably slimy as devious Uriah Heep, and Daniel Radcliffe is engaging in the role of young David, exhibiting innocence and vulnerability. The only flaw in the film may be the performance of Ciarán McMenamin as the adult David. Although McMenamin is satisfactory in the role, he lacks the magic and charm projected by the other actors. All in all, though, this version of Copperfield may stand as the best of all, and it's suitable for the entire family. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide