854

Rather too silly to take seriously, this was a rather dated comedy that probably could have been adapted better from the original novel. However, it was still worth a few hours of my life, and Finney is undeniably ravishing.

A mix of good and bad. Bawdiness annoys me. And even the non-bawdy humor is obnoxious: sped-up scenes, knowing glances at the camera, awful wacky music and zany wipes. It grated on my nerves. But it's not all bad. The film is to be commended for dispensing with the usual stuffiness of a period picture. The story is very engaging and clever, with some Bunuel-esque jabs at the upper class. And Finney's rakish charm is perfect for the role. So I kind of enjoyed this movie despite kind of hating it.

Doesn't wear well. The breaking of the fourth wall is no longer inventive, and the "sexy" parts have too many winks and nods. Fielding's approach to sex was much more matter-of-fact; this is just inverse Victorianism.

TOM JONES won Best Picture, all right, but it isn't one of Oscar's best choices; my father may vouch for its innovation, but I must vouch for its entertainment value. It's often amusing, but the madcap approach taken hampers the story and characters such that we never really feel involved; it's all a bit shallow. An excellent cast does their best (though few truly stand out) and there are undoubted highlights in the cinematography (the hunt scene is fantastic) and the sets and costumes.

#914

Hasn't aged well. At all. Director Richardson famously disliked the film despite the critical acclaim, and here many years later it's easy to see why. Way to silly and oh-so-cocky both written and directed not to mention foolishly acted, only a few romantic montages works comically decent. Points for the post modern try to shakes things up can only get you so far.

So, so incredibly desperate to be charming and funny that the whole thing just ends up a cloying, annoying, tedious bore. There's loads of goofy filmic techniques and wacky musical choices used that really grate as the film tries its hardest to disassociate itself from other period dramas. It looks pretty, but that's all this painfully unfunny film has going for it.

Unendurably smug. I simply detested the 'look how flashy our film is, aren't we hip?' approach. 100% awful.

I was hoping this film would surprise me and be pretty good, but nope, it was bad. It's a complete mess, especially the first hour which is horrid. The acting is alright, but time seems to move slower as this plays and goddamn was I glad when it finally ended.

Some funny moments, but overall an incredibly silly and pointless film and the last "bad" movie to win Best Picture.

Immensely enjoyable from start to finish. A energetic and flamboyant take on a period film. Never seen anything quite like it. Albert Finney is a treat, as are many of the supporting roles.

# 714

Great editing and a charming performance by Albert Finney make Tom Jones a fun movie.

Awfully dated.

Quite funny but not in the riotous manner many of today's audience expects.

779

The way period dramas should be, with a healthy dose of comedy. Thanks in large part to Finney this is a wonderfully enjoyable film mixing the usual intrigue and bits of class commentary of period dramas with a charm and humour they usually lack.