greg_bbb This is the 2nd best version of A Christmas Carol, right behind the George C Scott version. I always watch both every Christmas, but I have to choose one as best. However, nothing about this version is disappointing and it is worth watching twice. Stewart does a very good job as Scrooge, and the supporting cast is excellent. Ian McNeice as Fezziwig is Great (none better), and Richard Grant as Bob Crachit is Great (none better, tie with David Warner) with Saskia Reeves doing very good as Mrs Crachit, and Dominic West as Fred is Great (almost as good as roger rees). This version has many scenes missing from the others that gives it the most Dickensian flavor. The special effects are up to modern standards and add that element missing from prior versions. A great TV movie and one of Stewarts finest works.

Alessandro17 First of all, I must say that I "adore" Sir Patrick Stewart, if for no other reason, for the countless hours of pure pleasure watching the best interpretation ever of a Star Trek captain. But having said that, does anybody else feel, as I do, that his Scrooge is a bit too gentle in the first part of the story? Could he have conveyed more nastiness? Also, Marley could have been more scary. It feels like normal daily business that they sit down and have a friendly conversation. And the spirit of Christmas yet to come? Two lights instead of eyes? Strolling along the roads of London? Not very credible. Apart from the above mentioned "minor glitches" this is possibly the best adaptation of A Christmas Carol I have ever seen. There are some incredibly powerful, moving scenes. There is where the Shakespearean actor shows all his unrivaled talent. With other words, it is very much "a one man show". Imagine a lesser actor in the role of Scrooge and this would be a mediocre film.

Jackson Booth-Millard This was the third version I had seen, and before I had only seen tiny bits of it on TV a couple of times, and the leading actor and other good people certainly got my attention to see it properly. You know the story, but I'll explain briefly. Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge (Patrick Stewart, a good bitter beginning, and then an over the top reform) is the cold-hearted Christmas hating businessman who gets visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley (Bernard Lloyd), who warns him of the torture he faced and the Ghosts that will haunt him. Then obviously he is taken by the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Joel Grey), Present (Desmond Barrit) and silent Future/Yet To Come (Tim Potter) until eventually Scrooge sees the light and realises he must change. This is where Stewart really overdoes it a bit, he is maniacal in his overly happy reform, I much preferred him meaner. Also starring Richard E. Grant as Bob Cratchit, Ian McNeice as Mr. Albert Fezziwig, Saskia Reeves as Mrs. Cratchit, Dominic West as Fred (Scrooge's nephew), Trevor Peacock as Old Joe, Liz Smith as Mrs. Dilber, Laura Fraser as Belle, Celia Imrie as Mrs. Bennett and Ben Tibber as Tiny Tim. The only change I see (besides the over the top happy Scrooge) is the ignorance and want children again. A good TV made film, but I doubt I will be seeing it too often (probably just every time it's on at Christmas, or not at all). It was nominated the Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special. Worth watching!

kitagrl28 I am a huge "Christmas Carol" fan....love the book, love Dickens, and I have to say my favorite version of the movie is the George C. Scott one. However I figured that a modern version would be a fun watch, so we tried it out.The first thing that turned me off was Scrooge himself. I couldn't get "Star Trek" out of my mind for starters...and for another thing, I thought his acting was admittedly terrible. He did not seem natural in his role. His "fear" and "surprise" were totally faked. When Marley's ghost "scared" him, his facial expressions were as convincing as those of a teenager in a high school play. He also overdid his conversion at the end. I complained about the choice of casting Scrooge the entire movie. Someone earlier commented that his acting seemed forced...and I heartily agree.I was also highly disappointed in the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. For all the technology they could have had at their fingertips, this ghost could have been a chilling climax but instead looked like a guy draped in cheap gauze.I will say they added some neat extras that go along with the book that others do not...I really like how they showed "Christmas around the world". My husband loved their accurate portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas present...however I was not prepared for such a different character and was uncomfortable with it. My husband also liked how they had Marley's mouth drop wayyyy down, as the book mentions.In my opinion the most heartwarming version of this is the 1984 George C Scott version, and I've watched it twice already this week! Its the one I grew up on, and its the one I'll stick with. My second favorite is the Muppet Christmas Carol...the soundtrack is some of the most cheery Christmas music there is!