A Christmas Carol (2004)

Best movie of this year hands down!

Must See Movie...

Load of rubbish!!

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

With all the decent versions of "A Christmas Carol" available, why would anyone waste their time on this. Kelsey Grammar is a decent actor with a nice bent for understated comedy. Playing Ebenezer Scrooge just doesn't work. He just never gets into the character, looking dull and unconvincing, and generally uncomfortable. I know it was a made for TV movie, but so was the George C. Scott one. They are on opposite poles. And why didn't he just play the role straight. Why a musical. Several weak and stale songs don't help much. Finally, the supporting cast is made of the miscast. There is no charm, no spark, to this rendition. Drive a sprig of holly through its heart.

I just had to get this vote in. I read all the reviews of "not bad for TV" and think back to my two personal favorite renditions. George C. Scott was the definitive Ebeneezer for me for many years then in 1999 came Patrick Stewart's rendition which has yet to be topped. I think the only person could ever top it is Kenneth Branagh and he needs to age some before trying.But guess what? Both of these were TV productions. "Not bad for TV". Bah Humbug! Not *good enough* to claim to be Charles Dicken's story. Maybe had it been played straight and not been a musical, it might have been acceptable. I like Kelsey Grammar. But this was just musical dreck.

I am not sure if this is the same one that I remember, it states that this was made in 2004.. the musical I remember I watched as a child.. a long, long time ago.. IF this is the same one that I remember.. it was one of THE BEST renditions of A Christmas Carol I have EVER seen. One of the songs I remember best was "Thank you very much" when Scrooge died and they were dancing on his coffin, it seemed to epitomize.. the character.. however, I find that you do not see it on TV anymore.. one that I would watch, again and again.. I am a musical fanatic.. love them and tend to remember songs more than anything else.. One of the things I love about this rendition is being able to sing along the 2nd time I saw it..

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.