Bernard and the Genie (1991)

I saw this little film a while back on A & E, and recently found that it was released on a "bare bones" DVD. Doesn't matter, though, as the movie doesn't need any bells and whistles to spice it up.The movie introduced me to Alan Cumming and Rowen Atkinson - two of the better character actors around.It is quite simply one of the best Holiday movies ever. I really loved the characters, and found the British humor and pace to be a refreshing change from the normal American flicks. I recently saw the movie Millions and it seems somewhat reminiscent of BATG's style.It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story rank as my all-time Holiday favorites, with BATG finishing a close third.

I have to agree with the rest of the comments on this page - this is the greatest Christmas film of all time. The performances from Lenny Henry, Alan Cummings and Rowan Atkinson are well cast as are the extras such as Mrs Purse and the lift operator. The acting is superb and the writing is excellent. I have watched it since it was first broadcast Christmas 1991 when I was 8, and have always enjoyed it even from that early age! So definitely a recommended film for all ages, and at any time of the year! "You smell of peppermints and it is time to die!"

I watched this the first time for Rowan Atkinson, who makes a great bad, evil boss. However, it was even better than I thought it might be!Lenny Henry is almost unrecognizable but an amazing talent with timing and great lines. Bernard, played by Alan Cumming, is wonderful as the poor picked on mope who's life is changed by the genie.This is a great Christmas movie - although there is a bedroom scene towards the beginning that you may want to check out before letting younger children view it.

I saw this when it premiered on UK television, Christmas 1991. I taped it from A&E a few years ago, and now it's part of my Christmas Eve ritual! This is a really cute movie, and suitable for older children. (There's nothing really offensive in it; I just don't think there's enough happening to keep younger kids interested.) Alan Cumming and the brilliant Lenny Henry have a great chemistry. Rowan Atkinson is, as ever, brilliant. I love when the Genie tries ice cream for the first time; he runs out into the street and yells, "HEY EVERYBODY, YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS STUFF! It's freezing cold and tastes exactly like strawberries!" I also love the newscast with the results of the boys' wishes. People outside the UK won't get all the references, but it's still worth it!