A Christmas Carol

While this is not the most faithful of adaptions by a long shot, nor is it a version I intend to return to, this version isn't without its merits. The bumpy start include some very weak lyrics and less than stellar songs, but the movie finally gets its legs under itself when Marley arrives.

Returning back to it being a less than completely faithful adaption, that doesn't mean there aren't some interesting choices made in this movie--Kelsey Grammar tries to reach out to his past in various heart wrenching scenes which have fallen flat in other versions and show that this Scrooge has a heart that you can cheer for and wish for him to complete his turn around by the ending. This continues on with the other ghosts, although the Future segment is presented in a very stripped down (as in it's all in one set instead of bouncing around various locations) fashion that might leave some wanting more.

Again, not the most faithful or the best version of this tale, but fun for a completionist who wants to compare various adaptions or for someone who just found the movie while flipping channels or picking through a streaming menu. Also, I appreciate the interesting costume for the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, who isn't just a shadowy, skeletal figure in a shroud, which makes her stand out from other versions.

Although, I do have one strange gripe--some of the at night scenes are shot in broad daylight with no attempt to hide the light coming in through the windows. And yet, there are other scenes that are at least shot on dark sound stages. There HAD to be better ways to at least disguise the day-for-night shots.

I have read, and I am surprised by the content and tone of a lot of commentary on the Christmas Carol Musical.

I'd like to express my opinion within the tone taught by the work of Charles Dickens. To do otherwise is just a lot of noise (bible says clanging cymbals).

I enjoyed the TV program very much. I had seen the Madison Square garden production 5 times, excepting 2001 after 9/11. I think Dickens' decision to call his sentimental romance a 'carol' makes it quite fittingly a musical. I do love the 1951 Sim version, and I watch all the others each year; I think they all have a lot to offer in painting the texture of yearly reclamation and redemption for all of us.

Complainers are correct to ask why redo this story over and over in the same way. The Musical adapts the theme and tone of Dickens' novel for today's sentiment; I hope a new crop of actors will do the same in another 20 years for best serving that generation.

As I am reading Dickens novel currently, I am aware that each of the presentations (1930's, 1950's, the various musicals) take liberties with the text of the novel. The adaptations don't bother me as I appreciate the meaning of the words "based on". In the case of the current musical i think the composers and actors have built a touching presentation which, by Dickens' standard, should depict the emptiness of greed and the fullness of caring, even in poverty. The scene near the end in the cemetery is particularly moving, when all of the children enter holding candles and are then joined by Scrooge's mother and sister. The energy of those anticipating Christmas, the energy of the dancing at Fezziwig's, and the simplicity of eager yet simpler anticipation by Crachit's family seems to me a bit more real in our time that earlier filmed versions. (I still enjoy the other versions, however).

I was sad to hear the Madison Square Garden production was to end after Christmas season, 2003, but I am happy to know I can still see this warm, enjoyable production each year to drown out the typical holiday noise and refocus on family, togetherness, and good will.

Perhaps those who only respond with harsh criticism need to reread Dicken's novel and see where his lesson has fallen on deaf ears.

just my 2 shillings :) Ric

I thought this was a pretty good musical of Charles Dickens' classic. Greedy and selfish Scrooge gets visited by the ghosts of colleague Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Present, and Future and is reformed into a more giving human being.

While a pretty nice and feel-good film, I wished Jennifer Love Hewitt would of gotten more screen time. Other than that, the story, acting, choreography and music were generally on spot. The special effects were well done. Jane Krakowski's portrayal as the Christmas Ghost of the Past was my favorite. They could have, though, used a better Bob Cratchit though, as I think he gave a weak performance.

Overall, a nice feel-good Christmas film that is perfect for the entire family.

Grade B

I read some of the comments regarding this version of A Christmas Carol and someone wrote about the bad "English accents." I found it ironic because four members of the ensemble are British musicals stars in their own right. They are Linzi Hateley, Claire Moore, Ruthie Henshall and Dave Willets. While Kelsy Grammar is great as a performer I wasn't sure about his take on Scrooge. His moodiness was like that of Frasier Crane. He was upstaged by all of the Christmas ghosts particularly Jesse L Martin. Jane Krakowski sexiness as the Ghost of Christmas past seems a little out of place. On the whole it is a good production and well sung. I did like this version and wouldn't mind watching it again even if the non English actor's have bad "English accents."

I couldn't get enough of this! Catchy tunes and and fast pacing kept it going right to the end. Can't wait to add this to my collection as another great version of A Christmas Carol.

I've noticed some complaints about the adding of characters and slight plots changes. Well, I WELCOMED these. It makes the story fresh and interesting, I mean come on! We all love this story but have seen it/heard it/read it exactly the same many many times.

Be sure to catch Jason Alexander's song, as well as the one at Fezziwig's. They hightlight a strong musical score. I'm hoping for a soundtrack. Honorable mention to Jennifer Love Hewitt, I wasn't sure what to expect having only hearing her sing pop. But she holds her own here and shows versatility with her voice.

A Christmas Carol is a great, simple, musical. Large chorus numbers filled with choreography and soft ballads. It is a welcomed break from the attention deficit Moulin Rouge and scene-stealer infested Chicago.