Apollo Movie Guide's Review of Christmas Carol, A (1999)

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Christmas Carol, A (1999)

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Readers' Rating: 86/100

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Christmas Carol, A (1999)

For many people who celebrate the season, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without the ritual of viewing one or more film adaptations of Charles Dickens’ famous novel, A Christmas Carol. This story embodies what many people have come to consider the ‘Christmas Spirit’: the belief that how we treat the people around us is more valuable than any riches we can acquire.

Many versions of this story have been made into films over the years. Some of these films are faithful to Dickens’ book, while others are modernized or otherwise altered beyond recognition, and still others are animated and star mice. Some of these versions are brilliant, while others leave us flat. The benchmark for them all is Scrooge, the classic 1951 version starring Alastair Sim. Many of us remember cuddling up with our parents to watch this old, grainy film, reciting the lines by rote, and knowing (more surely than any over-decorated mall could ever tell us) that the Christmas season was finally – and blissfully – upon us.

While the 1999 version – originally made for television – that stars Patrick Stewart in the lead role, does not surpass this 1951 classic, it is an impressive-enough adaptation to earn a spot in your family’s video library. Stewart gives an appropriately overwrought performance as Ebenezer Scrooge. This is not a role for subtle acting and Stewart doesn’t disappoint. His transition from a miserly and mean old man is enjoyably theatrical and obvious enough for even the youngest viewers to understand what’s happening to him.

Happily, the script used here remains relatively true to the novel and celebrates the language and words of Dickens. We also see all of our favourite characters, portrayed pretty much exactly the way Dickens intended. Modern versions of the story may have their place, but fellow purists will undoubtedly agree with me that some things just shouldn’t be messed with.

Where this version of the story doesn’t measure up to the 1951 classic is in its portrayal of old London. The set appears too much like the back lot of a movie studio and not enough like a real city. The limited budget for this production shows clearly. This flaw is minor, though, and is easily balanced by the pleasing use of special effects to enhance the visits from the Spirits of Christmas.

If you celebrate Christmas and A Christmas Carol isn’t already part of your family’s tradition, then this is a great version to start with. Enjoy it. And Merry Christmas, everyone.

Diane Selkirk

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