A Christmas Carol: The Musical

From Hallmark Entertainment comes the whimsical holiday film _A Christmas Carol: The Musical_. With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, based on their 1994 stage production, the Charles Dickens’ story of a miserly money lender who is visited by the spirits of Christmas is told through song. Featuring Kelsey Grammer, Jane Krakowski, Jesse L. Martin, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Jason Alexander, the film has an impressive cast that delivers solid performance. However, the directing is a little weak; as it doesn’t always catch the grandeur of the musical numbers or the emotional drama of the intimate moments. And there are a couple of odd changes to the material, including Scrooge’s father being sent to debtor’s prison and a children’s show. Still, a number of the songs are quite moving and the costumes and set designs are well-done. _A Christmas Carol: The Musical_ has its problems, but it’s entertaining and compelling as well.