By-the-numbers affair, reaching for something it doesn't justify

Rating: Null/10 (11 February 2018)

There probably aren't too many people who don't at least know of the conclusion to this story, and with that in mind you do have to wonder why they decided to remake it. I guess when it is well done, it is great stuff while also having a comfort of knowing where it is heading. This remake though is at best a Sunday afternoon film on a rainy day - certainly there is not enough to it for it to be able to justify its place in the cinema or as a big blockbuster film. Of course the cast and quality of the production would tell you otherwise, and it is impressive for what it puts on the screen, but it is what it does (or doesn't) do with it that is the problem.
The film has a playfulness to it, but mostly it seeks to have weight to the performances and scenario. It lays it on a bit thick in this regard, resulting in the film feeling a bit dull because it carries itself heavy, but doesn't justify it or make it work. Individual parts are fine, and the film does have plenty to look at, but as a whole it is surprisingly leaden, lacking real suspense, zip, and vigor. A shame - probably it will play better when half-watched on a Sunday afternoon on BBC2 some years from now.