mixed reviews. Based on 155 reviews collected by the film review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 48% of critics gave Alfie a positive review, with an average rating of 5.6/10. The site's consensus states: "This unnecessary remake wants Alfie to have his cake and eat it, too, but a lack of sexual fizz and a sour performance by Jude Law conspire to deliver audiences a romantic comedy that isn't romantic or funny." Todd McCarthy from Variety describes the film as "a breezy, sexy romp with a conscience that reflects in obvious but interesting ways on societal changes over the intervening 38 years." Roger Ebert enjoyed the film, praising Law's performance and saying that "on its own terms, it's funny at times and finally sad and sweet." Entertainment Weekly gave the film a "B−", praising the actresses and Law, but also noting "Jude Law would appear to have all the attributes of a movie star: looks, humor, rogue charm. Yet there's one he could use more of — an anger that might ignite his smooth presence." Manohla Dargis of The New York Times states: Unlike the 1966 British film on which it is based, with its abrasive star-making turn from Michael Caine, the new Alfie doesn't chase social significance - it just wants us to have a good time. The story's observations about male behavior aren't earth shattering...but what gives it its kick is how Alfie takes the film audience into his confidence. In both films, the character talks directly into the camera, a disarming strategy that brings us closer to this serial seducer than we might want. Playing narrator turns Alfie into a tour guide and something of his own defense attorney; it also means he has to enrapture the audience along with his conquests. References Original Literary Source: Bill Naughton, Alfie, (London, UK), , External links 2004 films 2004 romantic comedy-drama films 2000s English-language films 2000s sex comedy films American films based on plays American remakes of British films American romantic comedy-drama films American sex comedy films British films based on plays British romantic comedy-drama films British sex comedy films Casual sex in films Films about abortion Films about adultery in the United States Films about narcissism Films directed by Charles Shyer Films scored by John Powell Films set in New York City Films shot at Pinewood Studios Films shot in Essex Films shot in Greater Manchester Films shot in Merseyside