A Christmas Carol
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Movie Reviews of A Christmas Carol
Movie Review: Very close to the novel....
Summary: 5 Stars
Having just finished reading A Christmas Carol (a yearly tradition for me), I can tell you that this is probably the most faithful of the book's many film adaptations. Complaints about the script puzzle me, since the lines are lifted almost verbatim from Dickens's novel (a sample exception: Near the beginning of the movie, Scrooge compares the relative deadness of coffin vs. door nails, which readers will remember was Dicken's own words as an author. Although verbalized by a different person, the words are Dickens's own). Note that the lines a slightly modernized (very slightly), so if you have many of them memorized (as I do) you may flinch a wee bit. But not nearly as much as some of the more artsy versions.Stewart's performance is wonderful. Most adaptations attempt to downplay the force and overwhelming emotion of the character of Scrooge, but Stewart knows his character (He demonstrates he's familiar with the original in his portrayal). If he seems over the top, it could very well be because Dickens's original character WAS over the top. WAY over. From losing his temper at a lad singing carols to rejoicing over his redemption, Dickens's character wore his emotions prominently on his sleeve. So does Stewart. After all, would you act normal if ghosts were visiting you? Dickens made virtually ALL of his characters overtly passionate, and Scrooge is perhaps the most passionate of all.
In short, if you want a faithful adaptation of the book, get this movie. Those who made it obviously were trying to be absolutely faithful to the source. If you want a film that portrays a more modern interpretation of the source, get one of the versions so prominently and frequently praised in these reviews.
Movie Review: The Finest of the Christmas Carol Films by Far
Summary: 5 Stars
I've seen all of them at least twice and, much to my surprise, this one stands out as the best rendition of Dickens classic. Stewart is spellbinding and convincing in the lead role, bringing nuance to what in some other versions was more a caricature of Scrooge. Although he dominates the film, Stewart's portrayal is matched by hard-edged performances by minor characters, including Cratchett's wife and the little boy who goes to buy the big turkey. The setting is also convincing and enhances the atmosphere of this film considerably. You do feel you are in the environs of mid-19th century London. Moreover, the language is mostly that of Dickens himself, used without awkwardness. I especially enjoyed the countenance and demeanor of the Spirit of Christmas Past whose performance captured the bittersweet memories of Scrooge's youth adroitly. I especially liked the fact that this version of the story gives much more time to what happens after Scrooge's moral transformation. This video would be a wonderful conclusion to a middle school curriculum unit on Dickens and/or European/world history. It is also a fitting family film (rated G) accessible to all. Even the young ones, while missing some of the dialogue, will not miss out on the plot in this film. Bravo to all envolved in this classic depiction of a timeless story. So heat some apple cider with cinnamon and spice or, for adults eggnog and nutmeg--or even a brandy old-fashioned sweet.Movie Review: A Tortured Scrooge
Summary: 5 Stars
There are so many verisons of the venerable Dickens tale afloat that it is hard to say which is the best. For many years, my wife and I favored the George C. Scott version, which has an astonishing supporting cast (for instance, David Warner as Bob Crachitt), awesome sets, anauthentic soundtrack, and a commanding actor in the lead.
Thus, it was with some trepidation that we decided to order the Patrick Stewart version; but we are glad we did, for it is a very watchable and intriguing counterpoint. The sets and soundtrack also ring of authenticity, and most of the key lines and scenes are still there. A few added scenes, as when the Christmas spirit visits prison, coal mines, and ships at sea, are truly brilliant.
Patrick Stewart, of course, is brilliant as Scrooge. He plays a tortured and angry man, unlike the George C. Scott version, who revels in his parsimony.
If you want a darker, more introspective version of the classic, this is it. And it shouldn't be either-or. Get and enjoy both those I have recommended. We watch them both every year!
Forgive a few anachronisms like Scrooge disparaging "British beef" or Mrs. Fezziwig being "on a diet" and go with the flow--a few scenes will break your heart, and others will warm it. The timidity of the redeemed Scrooge is very touching, as well!
Movie Review: The closest adaptation yet
Summary: 5 Stars
I consider Dickens' work The Christmas Carol to be the best Christmas story every written, second only to the one in the Bible which is the reason for the season anyway. I have highly enjoyed previous versions of this classic starring Reginald Owen, Alastair Sim , and George C. Scott, as well as numerous other copycats on film and television that are hardly in the same league as those mentioned above. I really enjoyed this version of this story, and unlike many others who have reviewed this film, I have actually read the book, and this version is almost word for word the book as written by Dickens. Since this is only a work of fiction (although I can think of many people in this world, past and present, for whom a little haunting would do them and all the rest of us a world of good), every version will add its only little twist to it. I found the special effects to be entirely appropriate to the film. Regardless of those who may only be familiar with his work in Star Trek and the Xmen, Stewart is obviously a very well trained and excellent actor who does an excellent job in playing the title character, and he is supported by a stellar supporting cast, which overall make this an excellent addition to anyone's Christmas library. I highly recommend this film to any one interested in the true spirit of Christmas, regardless of the American way.Movie Review: A Superb DVD For A Christmas Carol Collection!
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading all of the negative reviews for this movie adaptation of a Christmas Carol I thought I wouldn't like it and that I might have wasted money buying this DVD, but I put in the DVD and I watched the movie and I liked it and thought it was very good and it's now among my favorite adaptaions of A Chistmas Carol along with the Alastair Sim and George C. Scott adaptations and also the adaptations of Reginald Owen, Albert Finney and Sir Seymour Hicks! Patrick Stewart gave an excellent performance and I liked how he was able to do such a convincing job of conveying Scrooge's fear at certain scary moments for him like the door knocker, etc, it's one thing to scream or make a fearful face but Patrick Stewart gave a believable performance that really impressed me! I also liked how they showed things from the book not in any of the other movie adaptaions which was an added plus! I also thought the special effects were very good and I actually found a couple of the scenes to be kind of spooky and I highly recommend this DVD to anyone who loves A Christmas Carol and likes to collect all the different movie adaptations! One weird thing in this movie is the two skinny, ragged kids called Ignorance and Want who were under the Ghost of Christmas Present's robe, this is the first movie that I have ever heard them growling like wild animals.