Full steam ahead Nov 15, 2009
According to Bowers, who doubled as one of the movies two screenplay writers, Astro Boy has that timeless appeal in the tradition of Pinocchio and Oliver Twist with more than a touch of modernity. Astro Boy is set in an indefinite future at a floating town called Metro City. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Smith takes the stage in 'Oliver!' Nov 14, 2009
Based on the Charles Dickens novel, Oliver Twist, the musical s lyrics and accompaniment were written by Lionel Bart. The show depicts life in Victorian-era England, and is director Scott Saposnik s first time at the helm of a Randolph Theater Company production. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Crime and punishment - could classic novels help offenders? Nov 11, 2009
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and the modern adventure novel Touching the Void by Joe Simpson all resonated with offenders in different ways. One of her former students, Andy French, who spent several years in prison for drug offences, is now studying for a teaching degree. (BBC News -- UK)
Disney's A Christmas Carol: A Scrooge for This Season Nov 7, 2009
Most pointed is the movie's visualizing of the metaphorical creatures Ignorance and Want children who fester into killers and prostitutes which lands us briefly into the Dickens underworld of Oliver Twist and Hard Times. The definitive Scrooge remains Alistair Sim's in the 1951 British film. (Time.com)
Film review: 'Astro Boy' gets two stars out of five Oct 23, 2009
"The kid (Freddie Highmore) is discarded, like every other robot in robot-happy Metro City, which hovers over littered, polluted planet Earth. Astro meets the surface dwellers, young Oliver Twist orphans (Kristen Bell voices one) who scrounge busted robots for the Fagin-like Ham Egg (Nathan Lane). Astro competes in the arena brawls of the Robot Games, falls in with the comical Robot Revolutionary Front and becomes a pawn in the Metro City president's cynical plans to start a war with the surface... (Seacoast New Hampshire)
The animated Astro Boy is 'pretty forgettable' Oct 22, 2009
LOS ANGELES --- The animated Astro Boy is a shiny hodgepodge of Pinocchio, WALL-E, Oliver Twist, Gladiator and Superman with some obvious visual touches taken from The Iron Giant. As its own entity, though, it's pretty forgettable. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Parents guide to new movie releases Oct 22, 2009
Based on the celebrated Japanese manga and anime TV series, the big-budget, 3-D "Astro Boy," being released Friday in theaters by Summit Entertainment, revisits the iconic '60s character, with a topical '09 spin: He may be "Peter Pan," "Pinocchio" and "Oliver Twist" all rolled into one super-powered android, but in his jet wake trails a plume of topical issues, cosmic questions and metaphysical disorientation ... The animated "Astro Boy" is a shiny hodgepodge of "Pinocchio," "WALL-E," "Oliver... (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Movie Review: The animated family film 'Astro Boy' never really takes flight Oct 20, 2009
LOS ANGELES (AP) The animated "Astro Boy" is a shiny hodgepodge of "Pinocchio," ''WALL-E," ''Oliver Twist," ''Gladiator" and "Superman," with some obvious visual touches taken from "The Iron Giant. " As its own entity, though, it's pretty forgettable. Director David Bowers ("Flushed Away"), who co-wrote the script with Timothy Hyde Harris ("Kindergarten Cop," ''Space Jam"), gets some help from a lively voice cast that includes Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell, Bill Nighy and Nathan Lane, and the... (FOX61, CT)
MJ: The madness continues Sep 17, 2009
"I gave Michael my sperm so that he could have kids and I believe Paris is my daughter," Lester, who played Oliver Twist in the 1968 film musical 'Oliver. told the British tabloid News of the World. (iAfrica.com)
MJ 'engineered' kids Aug 24, 2009
Mark Lester - who played Oliver Twist in 1968 Oscar-winning film 'Oliver. and became friends with the 'Bad' singer after bonding over the fact they were both child stars recently claimed he donated sperm to Michael, while Arnold has also hinted he may be the biological father of some of the children. (iAfrica.com)
In death, as in life, Jackson surrounded by wackiness Aug 16, 2009
"I gave Michael my sperm so that he could have kids -- and I believe Paris is my daughter," Lester, who played Oliver Twist in the 1968 film musical "Oliver!," told the British tabloid News of the World. Jackson family spokespeople said the 51-year-old Briton was a friend of Jackson and is godfather to all three of his children, but denied Lester's parenthood claim. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Apparition to Release The Young Victoria Aug 11, 2009
The film also features Paul Bettany (Iron Man, The Da Vinci Code), Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), Jim Broadbent (The Damned United, The Chronicles of Narnia), Thomas Kretschmann (Valkyrie), and Mark Strong (Tristan Isolde, Oliver Twist). GK Films President and CEO Graham King notes, Its such a relevant story of our times and will resonate with audiences both young and old. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Jackson friend claims paternity Aug 10, 2009
The 51-year-old, who rose to fame playing Oliver Twist in the 1968 film of the stage musical, had been friends with Jackson for nearly 30 years. He is godfather to Paris, 11, and Jackson's two other children, 12-year-old Prince, and Prince Michael II, seven. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
British actor claims he fathered Jackson's daughter Aug 9, 2009
Lester, who played Oliver Twist in the 1968 film musical "Oliver!", told the News of the World: "I gave Michael my sperm so that he could have kids -- and I believe Paris is my daughter.". He said he was willing to take a paternity test to establish whether or not he is 11-year-old Paris' father. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Rough justice - Victorian style Aug 5, 2009
Elsewhere, there are details of the man considered to be the inspiration for the Charles Dickens' character Fagin from Oliver Twist - the leader of a gang of young pickpockets. Isaac "Ikey" Solomon escaped arrest, was recaptured and eventually tried at the Old Bailey in 1830 where he was sentenced to 14 years transportation. (BBC News -- Europe)
* Londons musicals: intimate or outsize? Jul 13, 2009
adapted from Charles Dickens Oliver Twist. (To be precise, it is a revival of Mackintoshs 1994 revival, with a new director, Rupert Goold, replicating and re-tuning the work of its previous director, Sam Mendes. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
World Economy Jul 5, 2009
The motley crew, instead of plotting the downfall of Julius Caesar, merely ended up begging for more, like Oliver Twist. (Jun 19,'09). (Asia Times Online)
Summerfair musical makes downtown debut Jul 4, 2009
Its a great place to have it, said Dorris Thompson of Carlisle, who, along with her family, was there to watch daughter, Robyn, perform as Mrs. Sowerberry in the classic tale based on Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist ... is a British musical that details the life of Oliver Twist, a 9-year-old boy born into a life of poverty and misfortune, as he is sold to an undertaker, runs away and finds himself living with a boy pickpocket gang. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Among GOP faithful, Palin’s the (wo)man Jun 25, 2009
Childrens Book: The Tale of Two Cities, Moby Dick (No, not the gov), Treasure Island, The three Musketeers, Oliver Twist, need I go on. . (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
regulations are destroying British pub life Jun 4, 2009
A typical maze of pub rooms exhibited as Charles Dickens put it in Oliver Twist "cunning, ferocity, and drunkenness in all its stages." There was gaming, dancing, and fighting, as well as people doing business and having affairs. Communities were often centered on the pub, known as "the local," and several districts of London Elephant & Castle, Angel, and Swiss Cottage are named after their old pubs. (Harper's Magazine)
One girl's plight May 20, 2009
As anyone who has read Oliver Twist will know, Victorian Britain could be a pretty bleak place for a child not born into money. Widespread deprivation meant children were often forced to work long hours in hazardous occupations inside factories, down mines and up chimneys. (BBC News -- UK)
SBS begging bowl comes back empty May 14, 2009
SBS had asked for $70 million a year as part of its argument that it had suffered years of financial neglect and its managing director, Shaun Brown, desperately likened the broadcaster to an urchin in Oliver Twist begging for more. Mr Brown yesterday said the budget was "not enough" and the shortfall "will significantly affect our ability to deliver new services and, in the next two years at least, put pressure on existing services". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Child Geniuses And Adult Nincompoops May 10, 2009
He was a boy genius who became a millionaire very early in life but successfully blew it all till he died poor, just like his boss Fagen lost all his fortune in the Oliver Twist story. Nicholas did not make the record books as a boy genius, because he wasnt exactly a genius. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Latest news briefs from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (2) Apr 28, 2009
Ian McCartney called the finance spokesman of the opposition Conservative Party, Oliver Letwin, who is Jewish, "a Fagin." Rabbi Jonathan Romain said the reference to the Jewish thief in Dickens' "Oliver Twist" was "highly offensive," adding that "consciously or otherwise it is a reference to Mr. Letwin's faith rather than his politics." McCartney rejected the accusations of anti-Semitism, saying he had campaigned against racism "all his life.". (JTA) - N.J. developer seeks Israeli bank. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
TV review: Smart, well-played 'Little Dorrit' Mar 28, 2009
Like "Oliver Twist," the first offering in the current "Masterpiece" Dickens series, "Little Dorrit" is anchored by an extraordinary performance by one of England's best actors. And like "Twist," that central performance is only one of many elements that make "Dorrit" not only terrific entertainment, but, in some ways, perhaps even better than its source material. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Bay Area's best spots to catch a movie Mar 21, 2009
Kid friendliness: Yes, especially if your kid's name is Oliver Twist, Little Orphan Annie or Artful Dodger. Cine-geek-o-phile factor: The Red Vic and the Roxie are practically film schools in their own right. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Please sir, can we have some more, asks SBS's Oliver Mar 4, 2009
"One day she sells a posy of dried flowers for a penny and buys her children half a loaf of yesterday's bread. That afternoon the overseer inspects the workhouse and sees the children with the stale breadcrumbs around their mouths. He peers over his round belly and says 'I don't imagine you'll be needing your gruel this evening.' "At the risk of emulating Oliver Twist, we are asking for more, because we can barely survive on what little subsistence we get and because there are vital new... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
DVD Report: This week's new releases (March 1) Mar 1, 2009
Local Search Site Search. THIS STORY HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR EASY PRINTING. (Boston Globe)
The Dickensian genius of 'Slumdog' Feb 22, 2009
Part 2 of a fascinating new adaptation of "Oliver Twist" will be winding up on "Masterpiece Classic" on Channel 2, as part of that series' Charles Dickens festival ... The current "Oliver Twist" isn't a modernized version of the story, but it does have striking modernist touches, as the plot somewhat departs from Dickens ... Consider Rose's tirade in "Oliver Twist" tonight - "He had been thrashed, sir, thrashed and beaten till his back was scarred. A child. This, and worse, happens to children... (Boston Globe)
Critic's corner Feb 21, 2009
Oliver Twist, Part 2 Tomorrow at 9 p.m., Channel 2. Someone asked for more. (Boston Globe)
TV review: 'Oliver Twist' may steal your heart Feb 15, 2009
Oliver Twist: A "Masterpiece" presentation ... Think you know "Oliver Twist" ... More to the point, don't miss the two-part "Masterpiece" adaptation of "Oliver Twist," airing this Sunday and next, even if you think you've seen enough adaptations of Charles Dickens' beloved classic to last a lifetime. (San Francisco Chronicle)
This Oscar-bound urban fantasy comes with a Twist Feb 15, 2009
Bethnal Green, meet the Dharavi slum; Oliver Twist, meet Slumdog Millionaire. Oliver Twist asking for a second helping of porridge ... The East London shantytowns of Clerkenwell and Bethnal Green loom so large in Oliver Twist that they serve as the novel's main antagonist, throwing all manner of spectres and challenges at the hapless Oliver. (Globe and Mail)
Love arrives a day late Feb 14, 2009
And then there's the bonus of familiarity, which is certainly true in the case of the Oliver Twist story. Here, in an adaptation by EastEnders writer Sarah Phelps (it aired in Britain over four consecutive nights, like an evening soap), the emphasis is on speeding the plot along with a light touch. (Globe and Mail)
A Twist and more in Dickens tale on PBS Feb 14, 2009
William Miller stars in the title role of ''Oliver Twist'' on ''Masterpiece Classic ... And the first Dickens adaptation, "Oliver Twist," bodes well enough for the rest of the season ... This "Oliver Twist" gives us a spunky Oliver (William Miller), the orphaned boy who dares to ask for more. (Boston Globe)
French lovers and Iraq vets Feb 14, 2009
A head-spinning new "Oliver Twist" reflects both the bleakness and the levity of Dickens' novel. By Heather Havrilesky. (Salon)
Darkness becomes him Feb 14, 2009
William Miller in "Oliver Twist." ... A head-spinning new "Oliver Twist" reflects both the bleakness and the levity of Dickens' novel ... To those who were made to slog through Charles Dickens' works in school, PBS's upcoming two-part "Masterpiece Classic" (9 p.m. Feb. 15 and 22, check local listings) on "Oliver Twist" will feel like a fast-forward, CliffsNotes version of the original. (Salon)
REVIEW: Latest turn on 'Oliver Twist' is ever so timely Feb 13, 2009
PBS' turn of 'Oliver Twist' is ever so timely - USATODAY.com ... PBS' turn of 'Oliver Twist' is ever so timely ... Oliver TwistPBS, Sunday, 9 ET/PT, times may vary* * * 1/2 (out of four). (USA Today -- Life)
What the Dickens is PBS doing? Four adaptations Feb 12, 2009
In Oliver Twist, Timothy Spall's Fagin doesn't have his usual beard, a modern element that, in a classic setting, gives the film "bite," Spall says ... "The Tales of Charles Dickens" opens with a three-hour Oliver Twist (Sunday and Feb. 22, 9 ET/PT, check local listings). (USA Today -- Life)
'Slumdog Millionaire' (16) Feb 9, 2009
Slumdog is a kind of Indian-ized and modernized Oliver Twist. It comes complete with crime, drama, romance, child predators, brutality and humor. (Desert Entertainer, CA)
