Best movie of this year hands down!

As Good As It Gets

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

I have seen several live performances as well as about every DVD/VHS and TV special of A Christmas Carol. This one is second favorite of all time, first being Live at the wonderful Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, WI. I don't mind that creative license was used during this musical. The meaning of the story is the same. Kelsey Grammar plays the role of Scrooge perfectly. I have no thoughts of his role as Dr. Frazier Crain, as he brings the role of Scrooge to life. There is something special about seeing a heart being softened, and it is as if you can feel the heart of Scrooge soften, and grow. My Christmas season does not start nor is it complete without seeing this musical.

I just had to get this vote in. I read all the reviews of "not bad for TV" and think back to my two personal favorite renditions. George C. Scott was the definitive Ebeneezer for me for many years then in 1999 came Patrick Stewart's rendition which has yet to be topped. I think the only person could ever top it is Kenneth Branagh and he needs to age some before trying.But guess what? Both of these were TV productions. "Not bad for TV". Bah Humbug! Not *good enough* to claim to be Charles Dicken's story. Maybe had it been played straight and not been a musical, it might have been acceptable. I like Kelsey Grammar. But this was just musical dreck.

There are some things that work here, and some that...don't. Some of the music is formulaic, with shades of Menken's older work (Beauty and the Beast, anyone?) And the lyrics can go from clever to damn dreadful in a blink of an eye, depending on the song. The music doesn't hold up here, but the story, and character interaction, does handsomely.A good example is Scrooge's past. Jacob Marley is a key player in Scrooge's development, something what has been left out in previous adaptations, which works wonderfully here. The story has been changed quite drastically from the book, but it gives a fresh take on Scrooge's relationship with his past. Emily (this version's Belle) sorrowfully rejects Scrooge in his own office, not even allowing Marley to escape her attentions. Scrooge allows Fezziwig to fall into debt by refusing him in a loan in case of a small risk to his business. Despite the softer and lighter feel of this version, his past is bitter and sad. He alienates all that once loved him, excluding Marley. And when Jason Alexander, in a lovely, subtle scene, mumbles about not feeling well, and collapses in the office, the clipped yet urgent concern of Scrooge is truly heartbreaking. This is by far the most poignant rendition of Past's visit, and despite this is far from my most cherished version, this segment is my favourite depiction of Scrooge's past.It is sickly in places, and not afraid to load on the schmaltz. But it has some effective scenes (the depiction of Scrooge's future is a dark little number, and well done.) A special mention goes to Jason's Alexander's Marley, and the spirited and macabre "Link by Link" which is elevated to a greater level by lively performances and some chilling imagery. And the acting of young Scrooge and Marley is believable in their growing coldness. If only the whole of the film had been as emotionally raw as those ones in the office! Apart from that, pretty safe stuff. Light enough for a watch on Christmas Eve with the family. But I warn you; some of those lyrics will haunt you beyond the grave. And the typical cod accents.Overall, not a bad adaptation.

I had seen five or six versions of the classic Charles Dickens story, then I spotted this TV made musical movie with one or two good names, including of course the lead, so I thought why not, from director Arthur Allan Seidelman (Hercules in New York). You know the story, Ebenezer Scrooge (Kelsey Grammar) is the miserable rich old man who doesn't give money to anyone, keeps to himself and despises Christmas. So on Christmas Eve he is visited by the ghost of his dead business partner Jacob Marley (The Return of Jafar's Jason Alexander) who tells him that he will be visited by three spirits who will attempt to change him. So the Ghost of Christmas Past (30 Rock's Jane Krakowski), who Scrooge also recognises as the Streetlamp Lighter, shows him his childhood, finding love with the beautiful Emily (Jennifer Love Hewitt), and the death of Marley which shaped him into what he is now. Next the Ghost of Christmas Present (Jesse L. Martin), also the Ticket Seller, shows him what all the people he knows and what their opinions are of him, including the house of his employer Bob Cratchit (Edward Gower), with his sick boy Tiny Tim (Jacob Moriarty). Finally Scrooge recognises the Ghost of Christmas Future (Geraldine Chaplin) as the Blind Beggarwoman who shows him what will come to be if things don't change, including of course Tiny Tim dead, and the gravestone with his name. That is when he wakes up, and has seen the error of his ways, and he wants to make a difference as soon as possible, so Scrooge gives to charity, gives generously to the three people he recognised, and raises Cratchet's salary, ultimately becoming a very good man for the town. Also starring Emily Deamer as Grace Smythe and Brian Bedford as Mr. Fezziwig. Grammar was pretty dull, the supporting cast, apart from a sexy looking Krakowski, are also tedious, the songs aren't catchy or melodic, and the Christmas stuff doesn't really resonate, it's just a pretty boring seasonal fantasy musical. It won the Emmy for Outstanding Music Direction, and it was nominated for Outstanding Choreography. Okay!