Tools for this page
Print

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Joly Herman

This sweeping biopic follows the great comedic figure's life as told by an elderly Chaplin (Robert Downey Jr.) to the editor of his autobiography (Anthony Hopkins). Eventually making his way to America, using his pratfalls and vaudeville comedic acts to impress producers, viewers see how Charlie Chaplin became the world's biggest star before he reached 30 years of age. But as he ages in the movie, Chaplin is haunted by the feeling that his work was never truly worthwhile. When he sticks his neck out politically, making a spoof of Adolf Hitler in The Great Dictator, he catches the unwanted attention of the head of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover (Kevin Dunn), who eventually engineered the artist's exile.

Is It Any Good?

3

Though Robert Downey Jr.'s age-defying portrayal of the comic genius is spot-on, the overall movie meanders vaguely through the actor's life. Scenes depicting the depression years and Chaplin's return to London border on schmaltz. But the last scene, where an elderly Chaplin accepts an honorary Academy Award, ends the movie with dignity. See this one if you are a fan of Robert Downey Jr., but if you like Charlie Chaplin, you might prefer seeing his own movies instead.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.