A Christmas Carol

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Jeff M After finally watching arguably the best-known version of Dickens' holiday classic, I am inclined to agree with those who consider this the gold standard of adaptations. Even though I have a special place in my heart for the 1938 version with Reginald Owen, I found myself slightly more entertained and certainly more moved by this film. And I feel confident in stating that no one will ever inhabit the role of Ebenezer Scrooge quite as well as Sim. He does the best job I've seen of portraying the misery and cruelty of Scrooge, which makes the epiphany so much more affecting than other versions. Sim is to Scrooge here what Edmund Gwenn is to MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET. Really the only minor criticisms I have are not with the filmmaking itself but the source material. As a cinematic experience, there's not much to fault here. It's a testament to the filmmaking that, after having seen what feels like 128 other versions of Dickens' 1843 novel, I found myself so emotionally connected to material that has become almost cliche. I particularly loved how Sim allows a bit of orneriness in Scrooge's transformation - he not only found his heart, but he also found his sense of humor. When all is said and done, if I were allowed only one CHRISTMAS CAROL motion picture to watch, this would most likely be my choice! It has joined the aforementioned 34TH STREET and EMMET OTTER'S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS on my list of holiday necessities. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/17/24 Full Review Howard K There are many great performances of this timeless story, but this one is easily the best. The performance by Alistair Sim is one of the finest of all time. What really sells this version is the phenomenal score by Richard Addinsell, one of the most underappreciated composers of the golden age of Hollywood. This is not only my favorite version of this story, it is my favorite holiday film, and the last thing I watch on Christmas Eve every year. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/29/23 Full Review Georgan G Watched this film since I was a child. Love the idea that if someone really wants to be a better person, it's possible. Great acting, great screenplay, one of my all time favorite Xmas movie. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/26/23 Full Review J H Alistair Sim's version of Scrooge is unmatched in my mind. The ghost of Christmas Present as well as the supporting characters does an excellent job bringing this classic to life. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/25/23 Full Review Russ This is THE best film version; it was a Christmas Eve television must-watch for decades. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/22/23 Full Review Christina T This is not only the greatest of all the Christmas Carol films, but also, in my opinion, the greatest Christmas movie ever made. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews

A Christmas Carol

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