Yet another 19^th century classic gets a 21^st century reimagining. This time, the Dickens story is reworked as a rollicking, multi-ethnic telling of the autobiographical novel. Dev Patel plays the titular role as an adult, but his recollections take him back to his own childhood, even at times sharing the scene. This is just one way that director Armando Iannucci (The Death of Stalin, In the Loop) has scrambled up the narrative with flights of fantasy and purely cinematic tropes. Even when Copperfield suffers his multiple indignities, the overall tenor of the movie is upbeat and often amusing. One of Dickens’ greatest strengths is creating memorable characters and this excellent cast is chocked full of delightful performances. The most cheerful, palatable version of Copperfield yet.

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