What a little tramp.

This biographical dramatization presents the life of the "Little Tramp", Charlie Chaplin (Robert Downey Jr). It shows his life from a perspective seen from his later years. It shows the good and bad times and makes you so empathetic toward the Little Tramp, you might experience a tear or two. From the time he spent growing up poor in East London with a mother who was mentally ill.

The movie follows his life as it moves into vaudeville and on to Hollywood. Unfortunately, he became the target of the McCarthy hearings and eventually was banished from the United States. It was 20 years before he was accepted back into the United States and presented a special Academy Award for his achievements in the film industry.

The story of Chaplin’s life is not only moving and historically interesting, but Robert Downey played Chaplin so well, there were scenes that you would swear were actually Chaplin himself. Downey’s portrayal of Chaplin is just superb.

Another outstanding performance is presented by Kevin Kline as Douglas Fairbanks Sr. He nailed the character you’ve seen in the movies and read about. Geraldine Chaplin portrays her grandmother (Chaplin’s mother).

This movie treat did not receive the recognition it should have, much like the title character. It’s poignant, sort of "hard copy", and intelligent. It not only tells you about Chaplin but it comments on the entertainment community during Chaplin’s time.

I’d say it is definitely worth your time to watch.