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A Christmas Carol

Play trailer Poster for A Christmas Carol 2018 1h 15m Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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52% Tomatometer 25 Reviews 58% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Scottish business tycoon Mr. Scrooge faces some big changes when a trio of atypical spirits pay him a visit at Christmas time.
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A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

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Critics Consensus

This radical retelling of Charles Dickens' classic parable struggles to justify its oppressive tone and edgy flourishes, although Guy Pearce is suitably haunting as the haunted Ebenezer Scrooge.

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Critics Reviews

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Deborah Ross The Mail on Sunday (UK) 12/30/2019
1/5
It was bleak. It was joyless. It was all taken from a desolate colour palette. It was about as Christmassy as piles. Go to Full Review
Victoria Segal The Times (UK) 12/30/2019
[Steven] Knight's inventions, while florid, did create a psychological truth behind Scrooge's conduct, a reason for his transformation beyond the magic of Christmas. Go to Full Review
Ed Cumming Independent (UK) 12/23/2019
3/5
It ought to be too hammy to hang together, and it would probably have worked as a one-off film rather than the full three-hour mini-series, but I found myself watching, mainly due to the central performances. Go to Full Review
Megan Sunday The Spool 01/18/2020
Usually, Scrooge ends his story at his nephew Fred's house, finally embracing the holiday with the family he has spurned, but no one is inviting this Scrooge anywhere. Go to Full Review
Darragh McManus The Herald (Ireland) 12/23/2019
A Christmas Carol looks gorgeous but is too stilted, too mannered, too self-aware and, ultimately, too slow. Bah, humbug. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Beaver C @TD2328 3d Woke woke woke woke woke and stupid. This is not A Christmas Carol…didn’t know the Cratchits were mixed race…did not read that in the book… missed the part about someone pissing on Marley’s grave… Dickens editor must have cut that part out too… See more sue o @swanann22 6d Worth watching, but barely. The acting is superb, the movie feels so authentic that I felt that I was actually living in the era, and the dialogue intriguingly reveals a hidden depth to our beloved characters. Yet be warned, it is a much darker take on the idea of true love, redemption, and forgiveness, which robs this version of its lightness and joy - to its detriment. Even though this Scrooge does admit his mistakes and vows to change, he is still not wholly forgiven. There is a complex cycle of abuse that is explored here. Possibly this was well meant, but it changes the power of the original version's portrayal of redemption being possible for even those who had erred greatly. And dims the possibility for those who had lost a sense of love and connection with others to be able to truly regain it. This Scrooge does not get that joy, not quite, and the ending is but a shadow of the celebration in the original. See more Coral A @Cabel02 Dec 12 This is one my favorite version of the Christmas Carol, but it is not for those who enjoy the lighter heart versions. In this version, you dive deeper into Scrooge's past, from his school days to his questionable business practices, to his relationship with his sister. (This is a hint) The movie itself is visually stunning with costumes and atmosphere. Yes, it is darker tones, (no bright colors) but that only adds to the appeal of trying to save a soul that has gone done a dark path in life. I love the line "You were so focused on what your Father did to you, you didnt see what your sister did FOR you." It powerful because as a collective society, we tend to focus on what is done To as and an individual, what what may be done FOR us out of love. The ending leaves me wanting a sequel. See more Fire T. @fireterrell07 Nov 30 This movie isn’t for everyone. If you want the lighthearted story, this movie isn’t for you. To me, it’s one of the best retellings of Dickens’ story. From excellent acting to the compelling storytelling. See more Grace J. @Whoopie Nov 17 Such a beautiful movie. The acting is terrific, the color palette fits, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the storytelling is perfect. It helps you remember that everyone suffers no matter what day it is. This rendition humanizes Scrooge and captures the spirit of Christmas camaraderie. See more David C Feb 19 On first watch it's definitely dark and unsettling but as Scrooge himself says ' it explains him' and subsequent viewing has (for me) made this the best and most watchable version of the story. It's not perfect but is VERY highly recommended. See more Read all reviews
A Christmas Carol

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Movie Info

Synopsis Scottish business tycoon Mr. Scrooge faces some big changes when a trio of atypical spirits pay him a visit at Christmas time.
Director
David Izatt
Producer
Stuart Brennan, David Izatt, Shishir Bankapur, Chris Capaldi
Screenwriter
Stuart Brennan
Production Co
Stronghold, Zoghogg Studios
Genre
Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 19, 2018
Runtime
1h 15m
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