It’s easy to miss a familiar face in this Oscar-winning spectacle. Adapted from Jules Verne’s captivating novel, Around the World in Eighty Days runs close to three hours; this was my initial experience with the film and I came away feeling mostly good about it, although there's a slight sense that something was missing. Phileas Fogg accepts a challenge from his London club acquaintances, wagering he can travel around the world in 80 days—a feat in 1872 when transportation wasn’t nearly as quick as it is today. Accompanied by his dependable valet, Passepartout, they embark on an adventure filled with humorous situations and colorful characters, experiencing various modes of transport along the way; it's a truly enchanting experience. The production from Mike Todd is massive; the sets are remarkable, and the numerous locations complement the large cast (enjoy trying to identify all the celebrity cameos). The costumes and musical score are excellent, while Lionel Lindon’s cinematography deservedly received an award for its richness and beauty, enhancing the charming story with many visual pleasures. David Niven embodies Fogg perfectly, and Cantinflas is a wonderful contrast as Passepartout, playing off of Fogg's reserved demeanor. Despite its undeniable appeal, the film feels a bit too lengthy; some scenes are stretched out when a more concise approach would have been just as effective. I was taken aback by how brief the conclusion was—it’s appropriate, certainly, but after nearly three hours, one might reasonably hope for a more elaborate finale. Nevertheless, this doesn't diminish its status as an impressive cinematic work. Whether it will hold up on subsequent viewings remains to be seen... 7.5/10

Source on TMDB