Bugsy Malone (1976) ★★★★½
I've seen Bugsy Malone loads of times since first watching it on TV and then VHS when I was a kid. I remember it being exciting and funny when I was young, and watching it as an adult, someone who is cine-literate and can recognise all the in jokes and references, makes it an even richer and amusing watch.
It might be cruel to say that Scott Baio peaked in his debut as a child, but it's tough to argue he was any better in Happy Days or the later sitcoms in which he appeared, Jodie Foster built on the early promise shown in Alice Doesn't Live Here Any More and Taxi Driver to deliver a great performance, And the entire ensemble are all charming and do a great job with the smart, witty dialogue and lip syncing along to Paul Williams' terrific songs.
In his debut film, Alan Parker's writing and direction really sparkle and carried with energy and invention. I would put this in a list of my 10 favourite gangster films and would, without hesitation, recommended to children of all ages.
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