Featured Audience Ratings

• Jim H

  
  Two rival gangsters battle for turf and a new, strategically important armament during the Prohibition Era -- a cliche if the entire cast weren't children. It's a great idea: children playing the parts of hard-hearted gangsters implies that many of plots of the classic… More
  Two rival gangsters battle for turf and a new, strategically important armament during the Prohibition Era -- a cliche if the entire cast weren't children. It's a great idea: children playing the parts of hard-hearted gangsters implies that many of plots of the classic gangster films depend upon adults' childish behavior. The idea spoofs gangster movies perhaps in the way that Prizzi's Honor intended, and making the film a musical only adds to the film's conceit. And the film deals with gangster violence creatively: director Alan Parker couldn't have a child version of Joe Pesci stabbing the hell out of somebody with his mother's kitchen knife without significant ethical problems with the depiction of children and violence. So he had the tommy guns fire cream pies. Genius. And fun. The problem, however, is that the plot falls apart in the second act. Fat Sam is losing his turf war, and he ends up recruiting the lower classes to stockpile his army, but these characters come out of nowhere. Blousey - a character who would've been better played by Jodie Foster - and Bugsy's courtship fails to compel because her rejection of him comes off as entitled and bitchy. Also, the music is all lip syched with the voices provided by adults. This is the beginning of the film dropping its intelligent conceit, a denigration that is made complete during the final shootout. By the end of the film, it has broken all its own rules, and I couldn't help but feel quite disappointed. Overall, it's a great idea, but a great idea can only carry a film so far.

• Directors C

  
  A smartly made musical set at the time of absolute depression. All the cast are children and Bugsy Malone is one of the few films in which child actors I believe should win or at least be nominated for great acting achievment awards.

• Dean M

  
  Good kiddie-gangster-musical flick as what I see is how do we show killing and brutal acts of violence - only bring out the custard pies and cream-firing splurge guns of course! Genius! This is a spoof of gangster films and film noir where all the roles of the gangsters, flappers,… More
  Good kiddie-gangster-musical flick as what I see is how do we show killing and brutal acts of violence - only bring out the custard pies and cream-firing splurge guns of course! Genius! This is a spoof of gangster films and film noir where all the roles of the gangsters, flappers, bartenders and hitmen are played by child actors at over aged 12. The outstanding presence though is that of post-<i>Taxi Driver</i> Jodie Foster, who swans through the film as showgirl Tallulah looking vastly more experienced and world-wise than her amateur co-stars. Writer-director Alan Parker should be applauded for creating such an accessible tongue-in-cheek take on the topic that usually makes for the murkiest, most un-child-friendly film. Definitely enjoyable for the young and old alike, and perfectly played out in period costume and setting.

• Lady D

  
  Created in the shadow and influence of such hardened criminals such as Al Capone and set in the prohibition era. Bugsy Malone is a unique style of Musical, where all the grown up characters are played by children. One of the highlights of Scott Baio's career (and let's… More
  Created in the shadow and influence of such hardened criminals such as Al Capone and set in the prohibition era. Bugsy Malone is a unique style of Musical, where all the grown up characters are played by children. One of the highlights of Scott Baio's career (and let's face it, he was a cuit kit and suited the role well) but who would have known at this stage what a huge star Jodie Foster would turn out to be. Filled with memorable songs and the quirkiest cars ever (I still want one of these) Bugsy Malone is a film I never get tired of watching.

• Thomas B

  
  Great musical with fantastic songs and some actually likeable child actors. Full review later.

• Anthony L

  
  "We could've been anything that we wanted to be..la la la, la la la la..." - Im going to be singing that for the rest of the day now! Classic film, I love it!

• Phil H

  
  Loved this as a kid, really got into it everytime but now when I see it it does make me wonder haha the fact everyone is a child and dressed like adults is abit creepy at times, mainly Jodie Foster and her alluring portrayal which is even more so. Some of the clearly older kids are… More
  Loved this as a kid, really got into it everytime but now when I see it it does make me wonder haha the fact everyone is a child and dressed like adults is abit creepy at times, mainly Jodie Foster and her alluring portrayal which is even more so. Some of the clearly older kids are really good and it sits better, Fat Sam's heavies for example are good as they look like young teens and are quite amusing, dont get me wrong all the kids act really well and dance brilliantly but there is still something creepy here. As for sets, costumes and the film its all great, looks excellent and plays well right to the very end, it is purely a kids film though, as an adult now I saw this recently on TV and apart from bringing back memories I didnt enjoy it as I used to, it was kinda cringing and embarrassing to watch haha again this happened more whenever Foster appeared.

• Candy R

  
  All parts are played by kids including Scott Baio and Jodie Foster. Musical set in 1930s Chicago, with dancing girls and gangsters with splurge guns and ped-lo cars.

• Luke B

  
  Kids as gangsters? MAMA MIA. Here is the film that started off the gun crime culture as well as causing all those high school shootings...well maybe not. Bugsy Malone is one of those rare treats, a simple idea executed very well. Some things just don't sit right though. The… More
  Kids as gangsters? MAMA MIA. Here is the film that started off the gun crime culture as well as causing all those high school shootings...well maybe not. Bugsy Malone is one of those rare treats, a simple idea executed very well. Some things just don't sit right though. The acting talent is all over the place as you'd expect, though it's no surprise that Fletcher and Foster made names for themselves. Their talent was apparent this early on. The songs are fairly catchy however I found the jump into adult singing voices to be just a little too much. A great car chase and inspiring themes for kids help it on its way, not to mention it's surprising faithfulness to the gangster genre.

• Film C

  
  i liked bugsy malone really good kids film and just funny

• Pierluigi P

  
  cute musical homage to classic noir/gangster flicks starring infants. the young talented Jodie Foster is among them. catchy tunes.

• Michael S

  
  A terrific idea, and an entertaining gem.

• Lafe F

  
  An interesting gangster music with all kid actors playing adult roles. Neato!

• xGary X

  
  Cutesy gangster musical comedy set in the roaring twenties. Some nice gags and catchy songs and the performances are surprisingly strong. Enjoyable (if you can be entirely comfortable with a film that dresses up pre-pubescent girls in make up and mini-skirts to do the "sexy… More
  Cutesy gangster musical comedy set in the roaring twenties. Some nice gags and catchy songs and the performances are surprisingly strong. Enjoyable (if you can be entirely comfortable with a film that dresses up pre-pubescent girls in make up and mini-skirts to do the "sexy dance"...)

• Universal D

  
  cute kiddy costumer cuddles consumers constantly

• Dean !

  
  An all child cast, lead by Jodie Foster in this great little comedy film about 1920's gangsters.

• Lea L

  
  Great movie..

• Sarah B

  
  The ultimate children's film.

• Barry L

  
  Loved it.

Read all 19 featured audience ratings