Jude Law, while no Michael Caine, has looks and sex appeal, which explains the temptation for a second go-around. However, although watching Law has its pleasures, the new version of “Alfie,” directed by Charles Shyer, has been flattened by its transfer to contemporary New York, the removal of any meaningful social significance and a softening of the tough edges that helped make the original so striking.

Elaine Pope and Shyer wrote the screenplay based on Bill Naughton’s film and play, and they deliver the basic story of Alfie chasing women and finding that the end result is a lonely life and hurting others with his actions. We’re meant to feel somewhat sorry for him. He talks directly to us, helping us to follow his conquests, thoughts and self-pity. But this is a film without an edge.

Some women may enjoy being seduced from the screen by Law’s engaging smile and may identify with their own experiences dealing with men who can’t make a commitment, but this is all quite shallow when stacked against what Caine and his film accomplished. The new version brightens with the appearance of Susan Sarandon as an upscale woman who has a fling with Alfie, then dumps him. Sarandon looks great and sets the right sexy tone. The rest of the cast is fine, too, including Jane Krakowski, Sienna Miller, Marisa Tomei, Nia Long and Omar Epps.