A fusion of violence, humor, and classical music was original in 1971 and still entertains

Rating: 7/10 (29 July 2010)

Overlaying violence with black humor and the gentle strains of classical masterpieces was original in 1971 and still has comedic shock value in 2010. The stylish way the lead villain, Alex, and his droogs go about their crimes, i.e. wearing grotesque masks and protective cups over their clothes to emphasize their caged male genitalia, cutting holes in a victim's jumpsuit to expose her breasts while performing a rendition of "Singing in the Rain," is jarringly and sexually perverse, and combining this violent imagery with the witty narration of Alex stays in the viewer's memory long after the movie ends. However, the shock and awe campaign only goes so far. It wears off soon after Alex is caught, and once he begins his treatment he, and the movie, lose their mojo and the rest is fairly trite and predictable. 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.