Peter Barnes (3) (1931–2004)

While not a fan of Dickens in general, I have always liked 'A Christmas Carol', so was pleased to be given this movie version of the story some time ago.

It stars Patrick Stewart, who is probably best-known for his role as Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. It's a tribute to his acting that he made an extremely good Scrooge, but I did rather wish he had been given a wig. I could easily believe in him as the ultimate miser in the scenes in his hat, or even his night-cap, but show more when his head was bare he somehow looked more like the captain of the Enterprise (and I'm no Trekkie) than Dickens' character.

Still, it's a minor gripe. My other is that some of the special effects looked extremely dated, but then the film is ten years old and computer graphic effects have improved enormously since 1999.

I haven't read the book for some years, but from what I recall this film version was pretty true to the book. It worked well, and on the whole I enjoyed it. A nice start to Christmas!

Latest longer review: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2024/12/a-christmas-carol-patrick-stewart.ht... show less

Lovely romantic comedy, with four very different women sharing a vacation in Italy, then the boys show up and instead of ruining everything, the place works its magic and everything comes out great. Buoyed by gorgeous scenery, beautiful music and first rate acting--Ms. Plowright is especially funny and endearing and Mr. Kitchen is always a welcome addition to whatever he's in--but really, everyone shines. I liked it enough to hunt down and read the book it's based on, which is quite show more different but also good. show less

Stewart is the personification of Scrooge, and the story is fairly told, with some editing (of course). The music is less theatrical than the Scott version, and depends on more Christmas Carols. The production also introduces more explicitly Christian elements. The pawners are definitely Dickensian.
This was the first time I have seen the show, although we had the tape for a long time.

The legend of King Arthur , this time, from the perspective of the King's Wizard, Merlin. Merlin is a creature born of pagan magic, living in a world converting to Christianity. Merlin is beside Arthur as he gains Excalibur, builds Camelot, and is betrayed by his wife, Guinevere. Merlin and Arthur are menaced by the plots of Morgan Le Fey, her son by Arthur, Mordred, and their cohorts. Through it all, Merlin tries to keep Arthur from the destructive path set by fate.
Not Rated however show more consider PG for moderate violence and language. show less