Guest Author - Rain Battle

The story of Alfie, a British tomcat who relocates to Manhattan, was originally told in 1966. In the original film, Michael Caine played the lead role of a handsome man who loves 'em and leaves 'em. The 2004 remake starred Jude Law, who adapted easily to his role as the irresponsible playboy. In this remake, Alfie is an equal opportunity womanizer, dating women of all races and ages. If he decides that they are becoming too attached to him, however, Alfie is quick to cut them loose.

Alfie's trouble begins when he breaks one of his major rules: Never date a single mom. Alfie ignores his own rule when he meets Julie (Marisa Tomei) who is an anxious single mom of a young boy. While "dating" Julie, Alfie is also seeing a medley of other women. Never short of tricks, he uses clever lines and witty ideas to catch their attention. He plays late night pool with the hip woman from the jazz bar, Lonette (Nia Long), who Alfie claims he thought was "out of his league." He gives fashion tips to the "well preserved" older woman, saucily played by Susan Sarandon. He gives sincere attention and compliments to the ignored wife, Jane Krakowski (Allie McBeal). Finally, there's the blond bombshell, Nikki (Sienna Miller) who manages to leave Alfie a bit short of words. When he first lays eyes on her, he breathes, "It's a Christmas miracle."

It's almost too late by the time his friend and frequent voice of conscience clues him in to the life he's leading. Marlon (Omar Epps) warns Alfie that despite his slick lines and crafty ways, "people do get hurt." Soon, repeated disappointments lead Alfie's conquests to see through his cockney charm. One by one, Alfie learns that there are some unavoidable consequences for playing with each woman's heart so carelessly.

Despite the cool soundtrack (check out "Old Habits Die Hard" with Mick Jagger and Sheryl Crow) and beautiful location (who doesn't love New York in film?) Alfie isn't what it's predecessor was. The original Alfie wasn't as kind and Michael Caine's Alfie wasn't quite as lovable but more realistic. Despite not being as harsh as the original film, this version holds its own and does get the same message across: there are reactions to every action.

The DVD Features:
* Eight Deleted Scenes
* Storyboard Galleries
NOTE: The Alfie DVD is a fairly standard release, including two commentaries and a few galleries. There was significant effort in creating great featurettes - this DVD has five.