Rebecca Hale – Google

It's no secret that 'A Christmas Carol' has been so done to death we know all the lines by heart now. It takes something pretty special to make any single version stand out. Which is why I watch this version (at least once!) every Xmas, cos it's way up there as one of the best I've seen. Props to the screenwriters, because all the tweaks and ideas inevitably necessary when adapting this tale for the modern world, were not only ingenious, but served to enhance the story even more and give it a unique life of its own. I think that's what makes this modernised version so refreshing compared with others. I was especially impressed by how they adapted the Three Spirits and also created minor characters perfectly fitting certain scenes from Dickens' book. Some very clever writing there. No complaints about the acting either. I've never watched much of Ross Kemp, but think he carried the role of Scrooge well enough. The whole thing just flows perfectly! What a joy to watch.

Worst film adaptation of this story I've ever seen. Surprisingly dry and wooden effort from what is supposed to be an impressive cast. There are very great actors throughout this film - what on Earth happened? Were the film crew moody/overworked/underpaid or something? Was the director an impatient, shouty type? There seemed a frustrated, strained atmosphere on set manifest in the performances. That or they spent a fortune just paying the stars with barely tuppence left for any decent rehearsals, filming, effects etc. I felt like I was watching an am-dram most of the time and have no idea what all those 5 star reviews here are about, I can't believe we're talking about the same film. And don't even get me started on its Ghost of Xmas Future!! 🤣🤣🤣 WTAF???? That spirit's SUPPOSED to scare the 💩 out of you, not make you laugh out loud at first glance! 🤣. 'Mickey's Christmas Carol' was spookier. 🤣 As to the script's adaptation, I've seen plenty Scrooge films with embellishments or 'extra' scenes not in Dickens' book. Some even compliment the tale and are very original. But the ham-fisted attempts in *this* version... ugh, it was painful. The one scene I really enjoyed and cannot fault, featured (all the late, great, RIP) Elizabeth Spriggs, Trevor Peacock & Liz Smith. Respect also to Bernard Lloyd, who has a strong screen presence as Marley's ghost. No adaptation of Dickens' classic is perfect, nor can they satisfy absolutely everyone, granted, but so far the most frightening version I've seen is 1984's 'A Christmas Carol' starring George C. Scott. It has its imperfections like any other, but the atmosphere will frost up your screen and the scary musical score (unlike the former's drab, forgetable dribble) will jab icicles in your spine. 'Scrooge', filmed in 1951, is also very worthwhile, particularly for Alastair Sim's comic timing.

I recommend the documentary, 'Jamie: Drag Queen at 16'. It's many, many miles better. With utmost respect to the real Jamie, incl cast members Richard E. Grant & the magnificent Anna Phylactic, sorry but this film was just too much cringe-worthy cheese for me. And with the exception of 'Work Of Art', surely the song melodies were a bit cack weren't they? Drab & forgettable. I remember when musicals actually had songs you could *remember*. Catchy tunes that didn't drivel along like they were making it up on the spot! Many reviews here say the stage version's better. I can believe it. But I've seen enough, thanks.