A Masterpiece!

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

I had seen five or six versions of the classic Charles Dickens story, then I spotted this TV made musical movie with one or two good names, including of course the lead, so I thought why not, from director Arthur Allan Seidelman (Hercules in New York). You know the story, Ebenezer Scrooge (Kelsey Grammar) is the miserable rich old man who doesn't give money to anyone, keeps to himself and despises Christmas. So on Christmas Eve he is visited by the ghost of his dead business partner Jacob Marley (The Return of Jafar's Jason Alexander) who tells him that he will be visited by three spirits who will attempt to change him. So the Ghost of Christmas Past (30 Rock's Jane Krakowski), who Scrooge also recognises as the Streetlamp Lighter, shows him his childhood, finding love with the beautiful Emily (Jennifer Love Hewitt), and the death of Marley which shaped him into what he is now. Next the Ghost of Christmas Present (Jesse L. Martin), also the Ticket Seller, shows him what all the people he knows and what their opinions are of him, including the house of his employer Bob Cratchit (Edward Gower), with his sick boy Tiny Tim (Jacob Moriarty). Finally Scrooge recognises the Ghost of Christmas Future (Geraldine Chaplin) as the Blind Beggarwoman who shows him what will come to be if things don't change, including of course Tiny Tim dead, and the gravestone with his name. That is when he wakes up, and has seen the error of his ways, and he wants to make a difference as soon as possible, so Scrooge gives to charity, gives generously to the three people he recognised, and raises Cratchet's salary, ultimately becoming a very good man for the town. Also starring Emily Deamer as Grace Smythe and Brian Bedford as Mr. Fezziwig. Grammar was pretty dull, the supporting cast, apart from a sexy looking Krakowski, are also tedious, the songs aren't catchy or melodic, and the Christmas stuff doesn't really resonate, it's just a pretty boring seasonal fantasy musical. It won the Emmy for Outstanding Music Direction, and it was nominated for Outstanding Choreography. Okay!

This film isn't that bad, not perfect, but a long way from being awful. I still consider the Alistair Sim film the definitive version of the timeless story. Well, the best asset has to be Kelsey Grammar's Scrooge. He was brilliant, very good acting and even better at singing. It may be just me, but Grammar does have a fine baritone voice. The other performances are well done, especially Jesse E. Martin and Jane Krakowski(she looked stunning). Jason Alexander does a good job as Jacob Marley and Jennifer Love Hewitt is truly lovely here. It is true that some of the accents are not that great though, and the script isn't given as much detail as there is so evidently in the period detail and the music. And I know there have been complaints of the film straying from the original story, which it does at times. For a TV musical, the production values weren't bad at all. The set designs were excellent and the costumes ravishing. Even the special effects are decent, and I have seen TV movies when they have been appalling. The music is great, the score is beautiful and the songs are hummable. Some are stronger than others, but there are many other musicals out there that are like that as well. In conclusion not bad, not perfect though, but it is worth the look. 8/10 Bethany Cox

One of the interesting things about A Christmas Carol is that, since there is no copyright on it, anybody can do anything with the story that they wish. This version has some interesting twists. Scrooge and Marley refusing to help old Fezziwig himself!? Wow, I'd never seen that. And the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come played by an old woman who wears a chicken costume (Sorry, that's what her costume looks like.) I know it's Geraldine Chaplin and all, but it seemed a little weird.NEvertheless, it was a fine production. My only real complaint is that the songs ran on and on...they seemed much longer...and repetitious...than necessary. But maybe it's just me.Definitely worth a look. I say Kelsey Grammar is one of the best actors of our time. (Not based on this movie, necessarily, but that's what made me want to see it in the first place.)

I have seen quite a few versions of A Christmas Carol in my time and this is without a doubt the worst adaption of Charles Dickens greatest work ever made. Poor casting, bad acting, uninspired and prolonged dance scenes, scatty songs which certainly do not stir the heart and a rather over the top approach whenever they feel the need to depart from the original script. The film appears to have been a deliberate and disastrously failed attempt at humour, at least one hopes so as that is the only thing that could excuse casting Kelsey Grammar as Scrooge. He does not pass muster as a dramatic actor. Do not waste your time with this musical, it isn't worth it.If you want to see a truly inspired adaption you can't go past Scrooge (1951), which after fifty years still remains superb. If you want to see the truest version of the story then George C. Scott's 1984 portrayal is best. If you want something a little lighter to show the children, then The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) is another excellent adaption with some wonderful songs. If you want a cartoon then the 1971 version with Scrooge's Alastair Sim reprising his role.I would advise sticking to Scrooge though and maybe the Muppet's on a back shelf. Grammar's 'Carol is simply is terrible.