A Christmas Carol
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Movie Reviews of A Christmas Carol
Movie Review: Visually the best Christmas Carol film!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have seen all the versions of 'A Christmas Carol' numerous times and each one has a special place in my heart. Having said that, this version has become my favorite! At first I couldn't get past Captain Picard playing Scrooge, but the other characters and performances as well as the utterly amazing photography and effects got me to view repeatedly the first year I got the DVD. At length I've fallen in love with Patrick Stewart's performance and now he is Scrooge! Also, Dominic West gives Fred Holywell the lighthearted, cheerful and jovial appeal that I think is nearest to Dicken's intent. He bounces into Scrooge's office wishing Scrooge a "Merry Christmas'. Also I love the scenes where the Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge in a whirlwind to visit the lighthouse and ship at sea as well as the prison. Beautiful cinematography and effects! The music is wonderful from the prisoners playing flute, the sailors playing accordian to "I'm so shy" song at Fred Holywell's house on Christmas morning. Everything is wonderful about this film. Just initially, don't get caught up in seeing Picard when you look at Scrooge. It will pass. I've heard that he performs this as a 'one man' show, so he's lots of experience being Scrooge. Buy this DVD! Own all the versions!!Movie Review: IT'S THE STORY THAT ALWAYS WINS
Summary: 5 Stars
With so many adaptations of Dickens' timeless Christmas classic available, one has to question ANOTHER version. But this TNT produced movie is quite good, not my favorite (Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol and George C. Scott's tv version are what I consider the best treatments). However, director David Jones and screenwriter Peter Barnes have captured the essence of the story and added a few novel touches that make it such an enjoyable film. Patrick Stewart gives Scrooge a more psychological persona, and when he emerges from his ghostly visits, his attempts to laugh are quite extraordinary, something we haven't seen in a Scrooge performance before. Saskia Reeves and Richard Grant are a delightfully realistic Cratchit pairing and the supporting cast of little known British actors is quite good. Dominic West is particularly effective as Fred, Scrooge's persistent nephew, and Joel Grey is winsome as the Ghost of Christmas Past. The production values are first-rate and this is a Christmas Carol that will undoubtedly be revered along with the other excellent versions. The story is so magical and timeless, it's hard to mess it up if you stick to it!Movie Review: A new depth to Scrooge
Summary: 5 Stars
The George C. Scott version of A Christmas Carol used to be my favorite Christmas movie, but the Patrick Stewart version blew that away when I caught it on TNT years ago. The Scott version seems very two-dimensional to me now. I was thrilled to find the Patrick Stewart version on DVD.
I think Patrick Stewart did an incredible job playing Scrooge. He gave the character a very believable personality. I was even able to stop thinking of Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard and believed that he *was* Scrooge.
The scenery in this movie was wonderful. If it was done in a studio, I'm very impressed. Heck, I'm impressed even if they filmed it right on the streets of London! The details that the scenery and props added brought the story to life.
The supporting actors in this movie were superb as well. I especially liked the ashen-faced man who played Bob Cratchit and the woman who played his wife. They certainly proved to me that you can be happy even when and especially when you're poor. It's all in your outlook and in your attitude. As Tiny Tim would say, "God bless us, every one!"
Movie Review: Patrick Stewart is indeed a one-man show!
Summary: 5 Stars
Perhaps it's because he spent many years doing a one-man show version of Dickens' Christmas Carol, but Patrick Stewart is just utterly believable as Ebeneezer Scrooge.
Yes, the fact that it is filmed in England, with many snowy scenes, both in town and on country roads does add to the impact of this Christmas Carol.
Old Fezziwig's office party uses period instruments, which helps transport us back to Ebeneezer's youth. They just have a rollicking good party, which makes Scrooge nostalgic for his "un-spent" youth--youth he wasted by never enjoying it.
Old Shakespearean actor, Trevor Peacock amplifies the impact of the story through his portrayal of the "fence" who buys the dead Scrooge's belongings from thieves. This helps Scrooge realize that he can't take it with him.
There are also some special effects which contribute to the drama of the spirit visitors, but what really makes this show is Patrick Stewart.
Yes, I still really enjoy George C. Scott's Scrooge, but in this production, Stewart earns his position as an outstanding Scrooge.
Movie Review: A wonderful version of a classic.
Summary: 5 Stars
Patrick Stewart is masterful as Scrooge. Stewart's Scrooge is rich and true to the written story. In addition, Stewart is supported by a wonderful cast including Ian McNeice as Fezziwig, Richard Grant as Bob Cratchit and Saskia Reeves as Mrs. Cratchit.
Although relatively minor characters in the story, McNeice, Grant and Reeves are perfectly cast and enrich the production. In particular, I found Saskia Reeves' Mrs. Cratchit to be absolutely wonderful. She played the part so beautifully that she WAS Mrs. Cratchit. I have seen many productions of the story, but Reeves' Mrs. Cratchit was the best. Richard Grant was a first class Bob Cratchit and Ian McNeice gave a sterling portrayal of "old Fezziwig." Of course, many have noted the quality Joel Gray's Ghost of Christmas Past and he was excellent in the part.
With the support of such excellent actors, and a first class production...costumes, sets, etc., this was a wonderful version of a classic tale. Stewart is a great Scrooge and in my opinion, this version of Dickens' story is one of the very finest every produced.