How could a film with Nathan Lane, Alan Cumming, Christopher Plummer and Jim Broadbent be anything other than phenomenal? It couldn't. The most recent release of Charles Dickens' celebrated novel "Nicholas Nickleby" delights and enthralls the audience from the moment the lights go down. The 132-minute film moved rapidly, and many, including my roommate and me, stayed on throughout the credits to cherish the entire cinematic experience. With its superb cast and clever screenplay, "Nicholas Nickleby" transitioned onto the big screen in an appealing and impressive way.The Dickens tale follows Nicholas Nickleby (Charlie Hunnam of the television series "Undeclared") throughout the first two decades of his life. From a young boy who loses his father to a young adult who finds a bride, we watch Nickleby struggle, succeed, fail, love, loath and above all persevere with a gentle heart and a strong sense of morality. After the sudden death of his father, Nickleby moves with his mother and sister from the English countryside to London, where they seek aid from his rich Uncle Ralph, played by the ever-so-chilling Christopher Plummer. Soon, the family recognizes the selfish tyrant they have encountered, and now all they can do is attempt to make the best of the circumstances.

In hopes of earning money as a tutor, Nickleby goes to a remote boys' school that is reminiscent of the orphanage in "Oliver Twist" or any of the other dire, depressing, decrepit homes for children that are depicted ever-so-well in many a Dickens' novel. Once there, Nickleby observes the mistreatment of the boys from the abusive, wicked headmaster Wackford Squeers, played masterfully by Jim Broadbent. Unable to remain at this evil place, Nickleby stands up to Squeers and then runs away with a frail, kind-hearted boy named Smike (Jamie Bell, who we all gushed over in "Billy Elliot" and is equally adorable in this). Together, they experience many of life's surprises in their pursuit of a better existence.

Although all the actors in this film are marvelous and depict their characters well, Nathan Lane and Alan Cumming really stand out. They have small roles as traveling thespians, but the humor and wittiness they bring to the movie is vital to the film. As he proved in "The Producers" on Broadway last year, Lane is one of the most versatile, ingenious actors of our time. Whenever he graces the stage or the screen with his presence, it is thoroughly enjoyable. Likewise, Cumming always demonstrates his numerous talents whether it is as the emcee in "Cabaret" or Fegan Floop in "Spy Kids."

Of course, this movie would not have worked without the amazing collaboration of the entire ensemble. The performances of Christopher Plummer, Jim Broadbent, Charlie Hunnam (surprisingly!) and Jamie Bell are a joy to watch, and really make Dickens' characters come alive.

The screenplay does justice to the novel and is filled with pleasing dialogue. Voice-overs and direct quotations from Dickens add depth and creativity to "Nicholas Nickleby." The screenwriter, Douglas McGrath, was a good choice for this film, as he has worked on several Woody Allen films in the past, as well as "Emma," which has much of the same flavor as "Nicholas Nickleby." Additionally, the cinematography and setting of the film are beautiful, with lovely shots of the tranquil English country contrasted with the bustling, chaotic shots of nineteenth-century London.

As there are over five different versions of "Nicholas Nickleby" on film, it is a daunting task to decide which one to watch. Honestly, I haven't seen any of the others, so I am biased towards this version with its strong ensemble and intelligent screenplay. If you do choose to see it, remember to stay through the credits ... it's worth it.