Iannucci's work is often steeped in cynicism but here his affection for the material is overwhelmingly evident; by adapting a beloved author, the director has finally found his heart.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Aug 30, 2024

If In the Loop and The Death of Stalin showcased humanity at its most selfish or incompetent, then The Personal History of David Copperfield depicts humanity at its most empathetic and merry.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 14, 2024

The Personal History of David Copperfield is a wonderfully absurd adaptation of Dickens' classic tale that sometimes fails to hit the mark but still does the novel justice.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Oct 29, 2023

As the viewer, watching David Copperfield's journey to becoming a writer is so captivating and fun, not only due to the humorous screenplay, but mainly because it's such an honest, emotional, genuine story.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Jul 24, 2023

The Personal History of David Copperfield is a beautiful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ cherished work.

Full Review | Original Score: A | Mar 8, 2023

Its unbridled buoyancy strips the story of much needed tension. I mean we are talking about subjects like child labor, child abuse, and crippling poverty. But the movie breezes by these issues...with barely a whim of commentary.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Aug 24, 2022

Whenever that energy has to drop off for a bit, it feels like the wind has been knocked out of the film, making for an uneven viewing experience.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | May 13, 2022

The film's Victorian backdrop gives rise to a pressing look at class, poverty, and identity, albeit through a spirited and modern lens.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Feb 17, 2022

[A] splendid and theatrical film.

Full Review | Sep 14, 2021

A still Victorian era-set yet unmistakably modern - and fresh, very funny and sharp-witted - big-screen adaptation.

Full Review | Apr 3, 2021

A convivial take on Dickens, adding life, color and exhilaration to a literary classic that deserves such treatment.

Full Review | Mar 30, 2021

Brings the classic novel to life with energetic editing and colorblind casting.

Full Review | Feb 8, 2021

[A] mad, loving, and brilliantly cinematic extrapolation of the novel...

Full Review | Feb 5, 2021

A sparkling adaptation of the original story that uses wonderful dialogue and physical comedy to paint a heartfelt, serious and timely portrait of social anxiety and inequality.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jan 29, 2021

This comedic version of the novel comes imbued with cultural diversity as well as audacity in the details.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 28, 2021

I braced for irreverence and gutting sarcasm to warp this beloved story, but instead what burst forth was... humanity, joy, and kindness.

Full Review | Jan 27, 2021

Between this and Autumn de Wilde's Emma., films based on 19th-century literary works felt so bright and buoyant in 2020, and I want more like them.

Full Review | Jan 26, 2021

A dizzyingly eccentric delight, one that manages to be entirely true to the original yet thrillingly fresh.

Full Review | Jan 13, 2021

Uplifting film.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Jan 8, 2021

Despite all its excellent performances, the film doesn't quite deliver as a lightheaded yet heartwarming take on a classic tale.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 30, 2020