One of this movie's most famous images--Chaplin sliding around inside the gears and cogs of a monstrous machine--provides a handy visual to go along with my opinion of the film in general: there are individual cogs that I remember as being brilliant, but when put together they don't make a totally satisfying machine.

Unlike "City Lights" or "The Gold Rush" before, or "The Great Dictator" after, I didn't get caught up in the narrative of "Modern Times," and I felt there were longer gaps between the funny bits. However, some of the set pieces in this are hilarious, most notably the scene where Chaplin finds himself strapped into an automatic feeding machine that goes berserk; and a nimble scene on roller skates that showcases his athleticism.

Sadly, "Modern Times" was an all too applicable metaphor for Chaplin's place in the film industry. New technologies were beginning to make his artistry obsolete, and the sadness of that is palpable in the film's final shot.

I'm recommending "Modern Times" because it's a very good movie. I just didn't think it was as good as some of Chaplin's other well-known projects.

Grade: B+

This is an interesting historical film. When it came out in 1936, the Depression was at its height and unemployment was rampant. Because of this, Socialism, Communism and unions were all on the rise. Considering how poor everyone was, these seemed like pretty attractive alternatives. This film was actually a radical political/social message wrapped up in comedy set in the very near future--if it had been presented as a drama, there's a good chance Hollywood would not have made the film. It's about the dehumanization of the worker and this movie as well as Chaplin's political leanings would later come back to haunt him during the Red Scare.

But, back to the movie. This film is essentially a series of vignettes all strung together with a schmaltzy plot. It's a shame really, as all the vignettes are good but the plot that connects them is by far the weakest part of the film--partly because Paulette Goddard was NOT a teenager (she was just way too old to play the part) and partly because the moments between her and Chaplin tended to be the slowest and most saccharine in the film. Now I am not saying it's a bad film--far from it. It's just that this element is not the best aspect of the film. Chaplin's timing and athleticism is actually the star of the movie. The film is incredible to watch as he roller skates, glides through AMAZING looking machinery and almost dances through the film. It's a wonderful film technically and fun to watch.

PPS--only a few weeks after I first wrote this review, I have seen about 8 more Chaplin movies. After each one, my appreciation for his talents increased. In hindsight, I think a score of 9 is more in order. While it's true I'm not much for pathos, I must acknowledge his amazing talents.

As I love Charlie Chaplin, I desperately wanted to see this film, and I am glad I did. It may well have a scathing and critical view of an impersonal society, but that does not stop it from being a wonderful film. What I love most about Modern Times is that it is both hilarious and original, and decides to bring a serious message in and a great one it is too.

Modern Times is great visually, the cinematography and editing are both excellent and I loved the machines too as well as the stunning ending shot. The sound is also astonishing, as is the direction. Modern Times isn't completely silent, as it does use some rather nonsensical dialogue, which is used very effectively in mocking the characters. The comedy is very well-handled, we laugh at the Tramp's antics and their consequences, but not only we sympathise with the Tramp but there is also a very poignant love story. And I love the music, actually mainly because of the poignant yet hopeful Smile it is my favourite soundtrack in a Charlie Chaplin movie. The performances are great, Paulette Goddard is wonderful to watch but once again it is Chaplin with his faultless comedic timing and physical humour that captivates most.

Overall, wonderful, another one of Chaplin's best. 10/10 Bethany Cox