User reviews

I want to start out by admitting I really don't like musicals. I usually find them silly, boring and they give me a headache. Thankfully none of these happened any of the times I watched NBC's enchanting musical starring Kelsey Grammar as Scrooge. What a delight! The songs were very good, the production values superb and the true spirit of Dickens' novel came through! I was particularly impressed with Grammar's Scrooge and Jesse L. Martin as the Ghost of Christmas Present. I really only watched this because I adore Jennifer Love Hewitt, I'd watch her in hour-long commercial for fruit! But I really thought this was just great. Every time I watch I like it better!

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 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."

Well, from everyones reaction, I expected to HATE this movie, but I was pleasantly surprised! I really think people expected too much. This is a TV movie, not a Broadway musical! For a TV movie, it does it's job VERY well. As a Theatre lover, I really enjoyed everyone in the cast. Jesse L. Martin was wonderful, as was Kelsey Grammar. It was Jennifer Love Hewitt who REALLY surprised me though. What a lovely voice!! She really is a terrific actress. She's only in two scenes, and she steals both of them. Her song "A Place Called Home" with the Young Ebeneezer is a genuinely touching moment. Most of the score is VERY hummable, and i've always enjoyed Meknens music. I really don't get all the hatred this movie has gotten. Sure it has it's problems, but we can't always expect perfection, especially from a made-for-TV movie. I will Definitely buy the DVD when it comes out!!

This umptenth version of A Christmas is watchable, but is not great. Maybe the musical numbers worked better on stage, but in this TV movie the numbers just get in the way of the telling of the story. Kelsey Grammar is hammier than Albert Finney in the 1970 musical of Scrooge. The movie also makes unnecessary changes to the story (since when did Scrooge's father go to debtor's prison?) that feel like outtakes from Oliver Twist, not A Christmas Carol. There have been worse tellings of A Christmas Carol before, such as the obnoxious Scrooged with Bill Murrary. However, I'll personally stick with the 1951 version with Alistar Sim or the 1984 George C. Scott version. If you want a musical version, go with the Muppet Christmas Carol. The story is still compelling, however, and this version is worth your time. 6/10

There have been so many productions of Dickens' classic that it is hard to be different and good. This one surprisingly was both. Most striking was the seemingly very authentic settings--sets, decorations, costumes, characters all seem to take us back to Dickens' London. The music was quite good overall, some songs not as strong but most were hummable and the lyric captured the story and mood. Choreography though anachronistic at times had some very good moments. The women soldiers in the theater seemed a take-off on the Rockettes. The leads performed well, especially a strong K. G. in acting and (yes) SINGING (surprise). Those who hated this will find flaws to pick at, but perhaps we expect too much from an overworked Seasonal classic. It was entertaining and worth the viewing!

If you are looking for a version that is very close to the Dicken's story this will disappoint you. If you are just looking for something fun to watch at Christmastime then this is fine. It does tell the basic story but adds some extra scenes and characters. The songs are mediocre but the singers are good. Kelsey Grammer is a good actor but he does much better as Fraser Crane than as Ebenezer Scrooge. He isn't bad as Scrooge but he isn't great either. This version was a Broadway musical so it looks much more like that than a story set in old England. Grab some popcorn and beverage and watch it for fun. Then watch the 1951 and the 1984 versions.

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.

This is the worst version of "A Christmas Carol" that I've ever seen (for the 20 minutes or so that I could bear to watch). Charles Dickens must be rolling in his grave. I know you need to take liberties when adapting a book to screen, but inventing the idea of Scrooge's father going to debtor's prison is ridiculous. It may play well on Broadway, but does not translate well to TV. The musical numbers were laughable and unintelligible. Jason Alexander (who was great in the musical "Cinderella") sounded like he was doing in a parody of "If I Were a Rich Man" from Fiddler on the Roof. Stick with the Alistair Sims, Reginald Owens or Patrick Stewart version.

i totally disagree with the review i just read of how terrible it was. i thought it was done in taste, and i thought jesse martin in his role as present ghost was fantastic. i had no idea he was that talented, and enjoyed him very much in the show. i thought the story followed exactly what the store was about, and i liked the idea of Grammar playing Scrooge, he was terrific. i have it on tape, and i will put it in my files for a keeper. i will keep going to the present, just to watch Jesse sing and a little dancing. i was very surprised to read the review above that i just read. i don't see any of the things wrong that the person making the comment said. again, i loved it.

I really am sorry! I hate saying negative things about other people's work. I really tried hard to like this version of one of my favourites, especially having bought the DVD. Part of the trouble is I think that many of our friends across the pond have seen Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins and think that this is really what us Brits sound like. I'm sorry guys, we don't sound or act like that anymore than the stereotype that all Americans are loud and wear checked trousers. But what can I say, it was flippin awful! I can't blame it on being a musical. The Albert Finney version from 1970 is stunning and I am looking forward to taking my family to see the stage version this Christmas. The feel was wrong! there were gaping great plot holes that Dickens certainly didn't write (where the hell did nephew Fred get all his money from if he was born in abject poverty for a start). The acting wouldn't have looked out of place in a pantomime. And Dickensian England looked a very clean and posh place full of....well....Dick Van Dyke stereotypes!

Now if you want to see how it should be done. Go back to Hallmarks non musical version with our own Patrick Stewart (he was so good I stopped expecting him to say 'make it so' in about 5 mins). George C Scott's version is pretty good and as I said the original musical was excellent.

As I said, I am sorry to be so negative. And to be honest, my daughter loved it! But then she watches Charmed!

When I first watched this movie I didn't even get to see the whole thing but even without the ending I knew this was worth watching again so when Hallmark repeated it I naturally sat back down and didn't move from beginning to end. This is a beautifully put together film and the cast is fabulous. Jennifer Love Hewitt as Emily was the best rendition of the role I'd ever seen. The role is small but she managed to do something with her two short scenes that I have never seen done in any version of this story. The score is something I could listen to for weeks on end especially my two favourite songs: The Nights Of Long Ago and A Place Called Home. Both these songs were beautifully performed especially by the two main ladies (The Ghost of Christmas past and Emily). The weird thing is that when I first heard the score I didn't realize it was written by Alan Menken. I have been a fan of this composer for years ever since I was a kid watching the classic Disney movies like 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Aladdin'. I swear that when I first watched it I said "Wow! this sounds like something Alan Menken would write". So you can imagine my delight at finding out it was in fact him who composed the music for this film. I say that if you read reviews before seeing the movie it's a waste of time because someone's always going to disagree with your final decision of what you think of the film. So don't take my word for it... Watch the movie and make up your own mind about it. It will be repeated on Hallmark on the 25th and 26th of the month and early next year as well. I hope you'll/you'v Enjoy/ed the film as much as I have. Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

A wonderful movie. Hard to believe it was made for TV.

Alan Menkin's wonderful music. This is not a made for TV musical. It has a engaging cast, memorable music, and wonderful choreography. Kellsey Grammar is a revaluation!!! Once you get over that Frasier Crain is playing Scrooge, his musical timing is extraordinary.

The direction is moving. The songs seem familiar as they are woven into the story and are often reprised to great effect. The reprises are never hokey.

This production is much too good for TV. It is much like Oliver, another Dickens tale made into a musical, and while not quite as good, it has no right to be either, as it played in the theaters for years and had a much bigger budget, on a relative basis. Destined to be an annual classic!!!

Trailers in the build up to this show made it look very promising. Shame all the highlights of it were in the trailers.

Never in all my days have I ever seen such a turgid remake of what can only be described as one of the mose heart warming Christmas events.

Grammar made Scrooge look like Frasier on downers, totally wooden and apathetic. Never nasty enough before the visits, not scared or regretful enough during the visits, and too sickly sweet after them.

As for Jason Alexander - how he won a Tony is beyond me. This guy is a one dimensional cretin with all the talent of my little toe. The less this man is on the TV the better for humanity.

Even Jane Krakowski was a let down, Ally McBeal showed what an amazing voice she has, and then she has to work with what can only be described as the most awful musical numbers of all time.

Never have I seen such terrible English accents, such hammish acting and dire choreography. My daughters school version of this classic was better produced, acted and choreographed.

I just hope that these actors have not seen any of Dickens other novels - Imagining Grammar as Fagin in Oliver Twist is too much to contemplate.

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

Since I love the works of Charles Dickens, especially "A Christmas Carol", I decided to tune in and watch this latest version of his masterpiece. I can't even finish it. It's a musical. A poorly done musical. The songs are unbelievably poor. The acting is bad. And sadly, probably the worst part for a purist such as myself is the fact that they have added characters and scenes not in the story. Why? The story is great the way it is, why change it?

I was saddened to see how poor this production is. There are many, many good productions. Check out the others.

Go watch Patrick Stewart's version, on stage, if possible.

Or read the book and use your own imagination. Don't waste your time on this one.

When the TV station played this in 2004, my mom watched it, but she didn't tape it. She didn't think it would be a good version. She loved it! It was not showed again that year. She was really sad about it. In October 2005, it came out on DVD. I wanted to get it for her for Christmas, but I knew that if she saw it in the store she would buy it. So she got a very early present. She ended up getting the soundtrack for Christmas. It is terrific. When you listen to it, it is like you are watching the movie. I knew every scene after the first time I saw it. I would like people to know that even if you don't care for musicals, you should take the time to see the movie. The cast is great and Kelsey Grammar was the best!

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

What a sorry mess of a retelling of Dickens' holiday classic this is. The only thing Kelsey Grammar was missing was the apple stuffed in his mouth, as this would have completed the picture of the perfect Christmas ham. The dreary cardboard sets evoked something more like the Carpathian villages of grade-B vampire flicks than Dickensian London, and never was I convinced that the outdoor temperature was less than 80 degrees. Add to this the tiresome Menken score (EVERYTHING that this man writes sounds exactly like the last thing he wrote), the most grating and talentless passel of child actors ever to have been paraded before a camera, the phoniest English accents imaginable (it's either highfalutin Oxbridge or exaggerated Cockney, with no gradations in between), a laughable script, and...oh well, to catalog everything that was wrong with this woefully misguided attempt at holiday "entertainment" would run on ad nauseam. And nausea (from too much treacle, probably) was the inevitable result of enduring this fiasco.

My family absolutely loves this musical. Nearly a month after Christmas we find ourselves watching this musical several times a week. The performance provides an excellent opportunity to discuss and teach children the countless lessons of this classic. The music and lyrics touch the heart as few productions can. What a joy to hear your children sing along with the wonderful performances and vocals. Each and every actor does a tremendous, heartfelt job drawing you in to this accurate retelling of Dickens work. I believe this performance will become a classic, and our family believes it is simply the best made for TV production of any kind we have seen in 40 years. A true masterpiece.

I've always been a fan of a Christmas Carol.... seen almost every version.... from Henry Winkler in "An American X-Mas Carol", to the western "Ebeneezer", and of course the classic with Alastair Sim... my all time favorite.

But after watching some of this show... I don't know. It's kinda like watching a Twilght Zone version of this classic... some of the music was extremely annoying... like the dance number at Feziwigs (not sure how to spell it).... it sounded like a damn machine gun!

I've always liked Kelsey Grammar... be he Fraiser or Side Show Bob.... but this version just doesn't have the same... feeling as the others.... too much dancing and singing.

Give me Alastair Sim or Patrick Stewart on stage any time! This is a great story.... but makes a poor musical!

Cheers!