This Reader’s Digest approach is remarkably fluid and full-bodied, if lacking the full emotional wallop.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 8, 2023

Pic separates itself out by hitting the humor as hard as the pathos, finding a nice contrast between the caricatures of the supporting roles and the dimensionality of the leads.

| Feb 2, 2018

... makes for bravura storytelling...

| Feb 2, 2018

Above all other pleasures it offers, it provides a classic of literature and social criticism with a straight run-through from start to finish.

| Jan 9, 2018

Directed at a sprightly yet smooth pace, [Douglas McGrath's] adaptation packs an astounding amount of complications into just over two hours with deft efficiency.

| Jan 27, 2017

a pleasurable ride

| Original Score: B | Jan 28, 2012

Respectful adaptation of rich Dickens novel.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 26, 2010

An absolutely entertaining, well acted, and well-directed film adaptation.

| Apr 29, 2009

Ultimately the film leans toward the blandness of its star.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Feb 1, 2009

A thoroughly enjoyable, artistically elegant bit of filmmaking that promises to stand the test of time.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 6, 2006

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 6, 2005

Filled with exquisite craftsmanship bringing the Charles Dickens' classic to life, Nicholas Nickleby is an intricate, absorbing saga about the triumph of goodness over evil.

| Nov 7, 2003

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 2, 2003

the perfect resource for students who've balked at the book's brick-like dimensions but who have an exam on it the next day, and need a quick overview

| Oct 26, 2003

Does a respectable job of retelling as much of Dickens’ tale as possible in the time alloted.

| Original Score: B | Sep 12, 2003

A light and brisk take on the account of Nicholas, a typically Dickensian hero who faces all sorts of Victorian adversity only to triumph in the end.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 6, 2003

| Original Score: 5/5 | Jul 31, 2003

A Dickens classic is brought to the screen in a reduced -- but still rewarding -- film adaptation.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 30, 2003

...the poor are ennobled and the rich are demonized. It's only as it should be.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Jul 20, 2003

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 7, 2003