While a good deal of the franchise is wildly amusing and entertaining... this definitely ranks high up there. This is one of my favorites, absolutely. Twisting the concept of the heart-warming(but in all honesty at times somewhat nauseatingly merry) classic with the cynicism, bitterness and cruelty of these, this features some of the very best verbal humor of the bunch. One particular line forced me to pause the showing simply to allow the pure genius and satirical depth of it to sink in. It's a line so astoundingly written that it should be repeated to whomever it befits to speak it to. I dare any fan of British humor to listen to it and not break out in loud laughter. It was a real treat to see new scenes with the cast of the second and third seasons, and they're hilarious. With a similar(if not same) moral to it as the Dickens' original(though luckily presented with little, if any, sentimentality; instead with usual bite of these series'), this has the famous story turn 180 degrees. The plot is appropriate in length and tone. Acting is great, all-round. The characters, as with most of these, are well-written and help provide social commentary. Sadly McInnerny still is not present, though he is back in the next installment. The humor is excellent, there are a rather impressive amount of laughs(seriously, often one a second or so) compared to the running time. There was some gags that were a tad too simple. Still, the jokes are almost invariably amazing and well-delivered, with impeccable comical timing. The pacing is just about perfect, I haven't been bored for a moment in any of my, by now, four or five viewings. Editing and cinematography leave little to be desired. I recommend this to any fan of these and/or Rowan Atkinson. If you belong in either of those groups... don't miss this for the world. 9/10