Royal Flash (DVD, 2007)

I am a huge fan of the Flashman novels. They are among my very favorite books. This is the only film version that has ever been made of any book in the series. It is horrible. I was tremendously disappointed by the quality of the film and can see why it was not in circulation for so very long. Casting was poor. Malcolm McDowell's portrayal of Harry Flashman is off by a mile. Oliver Reed, in a supporting role, was the only bright spot in an otherwise dismal project. Director, Richard Lester, normally a fine director, missed the mark with this one. The screenplay was by the author of the novels, but he somehow failed to capture the essence of his own books. The adventure, romance, and brutal realities depicted in the books are lost in all the light-hearted banter and campy sight gags. The film simply has no substance at its core. It is my sincere hope that someone, somewhere, someday will make film versions that do justice to this remarkable series of novels.

Great movie but sadly, nothing can beat the original books for a Flashman fiend!!! Great to see a movie about the great man though!