I'm not very familiar with the original story, but I really enjoyed this film. The story is easy to follow, never boring, always keeps you invested. It's cool seeing Jackie Coogan as this cute little kid you're absolutely rooting for. The vile adults in Oliver's life are portrayed very believably without fear of overdoing it because it's just a movie. You absolutely believe Mr. Bumble at the workhouse is as mean as he's portrayed, and you just want to get poor Oliver out of there. Mr. Sikes is likewise perfectly portrayed as the thieves' leader with really major anger management issues, and is very intimidating in all his scenes. Coogan is great as Oliver, and captures your heart as he had likewise done with Charlie Chaplin in The Kid. Sikes' abused wife is played very believably as well, and you really feel for her in the situation she finds herself in. And of course, we can't forget Lon Chaney absolutely unrecognizable as Fagin. Chaney steals every scene he's in, and helps make this already great film even more memorable. The story is sad and fun, balanced very nicely for both. I definitely recommend it for film buffs.
Review of Oliver Twist
