Scrooge

Rating:
Summary: An OK musical
Review: OK musical version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". Most reviews from critics give a bad light on the songs by Leslie Bricusse. True, in the beginning part of the film, the songs tend to slow the narrative down, and they do somewhat fall into the territory of better-music-than-lyrics (the lyrics tend to be repetitous in each number). But when the ghostly journeys of Scrooge's past, present, and future begin, the songs do generally get better, with "Happiness", "I like life!" and the showstopper "Thank you very much!" among the musical highlights (It must be mentioned that the title number, "Sing a Christmas Carol!" is also very good). Albert Finney hams things up rather well in the title role (although his performance seems strictly a cariacture and can't hold a candle to Alastair Sims' 3-dimensional Scrooge in the 1951 film version), and is helped by a good cast including Alec Guinness as an amusing Jacob Marley (He sings!), Dame Edith Evans as the Ghost of Christmas Past (she doesn't), Robert Morse as the Ghost of Christmas Present (he does), Suzanne Neve as Isabel, and Richard Beaumont as Tiny Tim.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding All Around
Review: Scrooge will forever be one of my most favorite movies. As the years pass and I have gone from a young teenager to a grown adult I still find myself compelled to watch this movie. Its simple theme engulfs me every time I view Albert Finney learning his lessons of life. We could all stand to watch this movie more than once a year and follow its simple theme. I know of no other movie, besides "It's a Wonderful Life", that makes me feel so good afterwards. If your a toddler or an adult this movie has something to say and its extremely entertaining. I highly reccommend anyone to get this movie. Merry Christmas one and all.

Rating:
Summary: A holiday favorite at our house for years
Review: My nineteen year old daughter came to vist with the specific request of watching Scrooge with her parents. I was amazed to hear her quoting lines before they were uttered (her favorite scenes being the flight of Marley and Scrooge, Fizzywig's Ball, and the wonderfully performed score of, "Thank you very much." What a wonderful feeling as a parent that a movie could have such a long lasting positive result on their children. Watch this movie each year as we do and let the true meaning of Christmas fill your heart.

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST SCROOGE!
Review: I don't know where they dug up this reviewer who uses a verbose technique to toss inaccurate dismal blurbs on wonderful films. Young and old will cherish this delightful musical. Albert Finney is the best Scrooge-- excluding Bill Murray of course! *L* Enjoy this family classic. We do, every year since I was --well that was in the seventies.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful tradition
Review: This is an AWESOME video. It is not as well known as other versions but is much better than other versions. Every year for the past 16 years we watch this on Christmas Eve. It is one of out favorite traditions. This video will be cherished for years.

Rating:
Summary: A Family Favorite
Review: This movie has been a holiday tradition at our house for years. It combines talented acting and a wonderful score, with the result being an uplifting experience that always puts us in the Christmas spirit. Albert Finney gives a performance as Scrooge that rivals Alistar Cooke and George C. Scott.

Rating:
Summary: Best Of The Best
Review: This is definitely a case when you can't please all the people all the time. The majority of those who have taken the time to review this film love it. I agree with most opinions expressed in other reviews found here. The timeliness of the songs, wonderful set designs, and memorable lyrics/ tunes to name a few. One scene added here which stands out most in my mind but is missed by other versions is from Isabel confronting Ebenezer about his changed nature. She throws her engagement ring in one dish of a measuring scale and matches it against two coins of Ebenezer's money in the other dish. The coins out-weigh her ring demonstrating his lust for riches out-weighs his desire to be with her. Wonderfully articulated! And the song to follow, "You Were Good to Me" accentuates Ebenezer's regret. As far as I am concerned, Albert Finney deserves an Oscar for his interpretation of Scrooge. As stated by one other viewer, with very little make-up and effects, a twenty something actor is believable as a miserly, dilapidated, skin flint. Alec Guinness portrays Marley in a most unconventional, but welcomed way. I also want to punctuate what other viewers have said about the flying scene with Ebenezer and Marley along with the view of Hell. These scenes add very little to the feeling and plot, but are negligible and pass quickly. I personally watch this movie in mid June as well as Christmas, as a reality check for my own human nature. Works every time! In summary, this movie raptures the viewer from his own subjective existence and allows him to objectively view life. The lessons learned by a bitter, resentful, greedy creature (something we are all guilty of at some point in our own lives) are insights for us all. This rendition of Scrooge is a must see for veteran and first time audiences alike. One caveat, if you don't like musicals to begin with, this may not be for you. I saw a plea go out for the re-release of the original soundtrack audio CD or tape. I would like to second that motion! If anyone knows of a place to buy it, please let me know.

Rating:
Summary: A classic rendering of a Christmas tale that is FANTASTIC!
Review: Don't count on the "professional" reviewers of this classic movie. Not only is the story line incredibly acted, the music is absolutely unforgettable! Albert Finney does a remarkable job playing the old miser - Scrooge. Tiny Tim's performance will have many in your household dabbing their eyes. Watch out for the ghost of Christmas yet to come! He'll send a tingle down your spine. Again, the movie is great. What is even better is the musical score. I too wish it was available via CD. Mr. Brucose, please make the original score available. I've tried everywhere and haven't been able to locate it (even on Amazon!).

Rating:
Summary: Thank You Very Much ! For this Tune-Filled Classic
Review: The musical version of A Christmas Carol is the one that your family will enjoy the most! Nominated for 5 Academy Awards, this beautiful movie was shown on TV for a few years and then regrettably taken off do to some legal problems. Thank god for videos! While the younger kids might want to fast-forward a couple of the slower numbers, all in all this is a treat for everyone age 6 or 7 and up!

Rating:
Summary: It will forever remain in my heart
Review: I saw this movie when I was in juniour high. I was going through a tough time growing up, and our family was having a hard time, also. This movie gave me hope and made me believe in 'the goodness' of mankind. It is based on a classic novel by Dickens, yet it is unique with the beautiful numbers, from the sad 'Beutiful Morning' to my favorite 'Thank You Very Much'(which won best song at the oscars). My family has drift apart since the first time we saw this movie, yet whenever 'Scrooge' is playing on the video everyone can't help but look at it and smile and before we know it, we are seated together watching the movie. It will remain forever in my heart.