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.
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.