Review: Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” Movie

I was concerned about going to see Disney’s “A Christmas Carol.”

There is a reason why I don’t order eggplant parmesan when I go into an Italian restaurant. It’s that no one makes it the way I like it”¦the way I make it. Thus I don’t want to open myself to disappointment so…I don’t order it.

For the same reason, I tread very lightly anytime I approach watching a movie made from my favorite author Charles Dickens”¦no less my favorite story of all time, “A Christmas Carol.”

So this past weekend as I sat down to watch this latest attempt at recreating the message that Charles Dickens wanted to get across in his timeless classic, I really can’t say I had any expectations.

After the first five minutes of the movie however, I had a sense as to what I was going to witness.

This film is best described as being extraordinary and nothing less. It may very well be perhaps the best rendition of Dickens’ tale yet to hit the big screen.

First and foremost I am ready to hand over whatever awards Jim Carrey would be eligible for in his voice portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge as well as the other voices he gave life to in the film, especially all the ghosts.

Carrey captured the essence of Old Ebenezer and my only regret is that I would have loved to have seen Carrey in the recording studio, to see his countenance, to see his expressions as he gave his amazing talents to this film.

The screenplay was very true to the story, and let’s face it, there is no secret here as to how the story goes and ends.

Thus I have no reservations in pointing out some points in the film which to me showed outstanding and original creativity and that I want you to take note of and be sure to look for when you see this film.

The authenticity of the setting in London was in a word, breathtaking. The animators surely did their homework. The mood of the film, especially early on, was more than enhanced by the dark imagery throughout.

This is best seen in Scrooge’s business, his home, and Bob Cratchit’s cottage. All three scenes had these settings lit by candlelight and the candlelight was just enough to allow the audience to make out everything”¦it was so realistic and metaphoric at the same time.

The appearance of Jacob Marley’s ghost was the first indication to me that this film would not be for our typical five, six, or seven year old Disney fan. In fact I strongly recommend that you refrain from bringing your child to see this film unless he or she is at least 10 years old and is also familiar with the story.

The entrance and exit scenes of Marley’s ghost we very well done and very original”¦Dickens would have been proud. There is a bit of humor in Scrooge’s first encounter with the ghost of his long gone partner but it does not completely counter the frightful appearance of this ghost.

The three ghosts, voiced over by Carrey himself, were not your typical “Christmas Carol” ghosts as portrayed in versions past.

The Ghost of Christmas Past had a haunting aspect to its appearance…fleeting is a good way to describe the sight of a ghostly flame head and face and haunting voice.

The Ghost of Christmas Present was portrayed in an amazing scene and his ever changing appearance was something to behold. One of the most extraordinary and breathtaking scenes in this movie was this ghost’s exit which comes just after Scrooge makes his observation of something lying beneath this apparition’s robe.

I don’t know if you can even call it an exit.

I would be doing you a disservice if I described to you the transitional portion of the movie in which the Ghost of Christmas Present leaves us and the ominous Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come makes its appearance.

The portion of this film with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come may be quite frightening to young children. The dark imagery and ominous foreboding is truly intense and the interaction between Scrooge and the ghost, especially at the graveyard scene, is the most intense treatment of Dickens’ classic as you will have ever witnessed.

As I had mentioned, the film was very true to the story and I looked for those important moments in the book that I felt were essential and not to be overlooked.

I was not disappointed.

The most important of these that I was most gratified to see was Scrooge’s interaction with his housekeeper Mrs. Dilbert on Christmas morning. She of all people knew Scrooge for what he was and she would be the person to be most taken by his transformation”¦and she was.

The film of course took on a lighthearted change on Christmas morning and Carrey’s transition of Scrooge from a curmudgeonly old miser to a kindhearted and generous man was well felt in his voice.

One more thing; kudos to director Robert Zemeckis.

A director’s contribution to an animated film is sometimes much unappreciated.

There are special moments in this film where Zemeckis was very subtle with camera angles.

For instance, during the Christmas Yet to Come segment we are in Bob Cratchit’s house and Bob has returned from mass and he breaks down talking about Tiny Tim”¦.we may not realize early on but while Bob expresses his remorse we slowly realize that Scrooge is observing this through some slats on the stairwell”¦and we see Scrooge’s concern…watch the eyes.

So in summary, if you are a fan of Dickens’ classic you must see this movie”¦in either 3D or IMAX”¦.and you will be taken by the imagery and how faithful the screenplay is to the book.

Also, as I have seen every portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge from Alistair Sim to Mr. Magoo to George C. Scott, they all pale in comparison to Jim Carrey’s unbelievable capturing of the essence of Scrooge’s personality as written by Dickens.

But also, make no mistake about it. This is not your basic Disney film and the imagery and dark and foreboding scenes are not for youngsters”¦they may not find it so pleasing.

I know Dickens would be pleased.

I was.

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14 Replies to “Review: Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” Movie”

  1. Mike, thanks for the review. My family and I just saw this movie in 3D on the Disney Wonder (just returned today, in fact!).

    We all agreed it was a great movie, but not the best choice for the youngsters in attendance. There should be more of a warning for little ones. I too was skeptical about a remake of a classic, but this is by far the best rendition of Dickens’ classic tale.

  2. I absolutely loved this movie. I had the pleasure of seeing this in an Imax 3d experience on opening day, and it left me breathless. Being a graphic design student and animation enthusiast, I found the graphics and CGI to be some of the most awe-inspiring work ever created (rivaling that of Pixar, I must admit).
    Great review of this movie and I totally agree with you on everything said here in your article.
    I only wish that there would be a way to put out more of an advisory/warning on taking young children to see this. When I was there at the first afternoon showing, many parents brought very young (ages 5-7) children.
    I am 20 and even I found the film to be incredibly suspenseful and creepy in some parts, and I felt pretty bad for the young ones there!

  3. I’m surprised that no one has mentioned my favorite “A Christmas Carol” Scrooge: Scrooge McDuck! I love “Mickey’s Christmas Carol!”

  4. As soon as I saw the trailer for this film, I knew it would be authentically excellent. My favorite Scrooge film is the one with Alister Sim. I feel its the only “real” Christmas Carol film. And, by the way, I don’t order eggplant parm out either for the same reason. Thanks for all your Disney input. I have been visiting WDW since 1973 and have been there hundreds of times, but I always look forward to your blogs. You get to the heart of it.

  5. Thanks for the review! When I first heard about this way back when I was thinking it would be live-action and was quite excited. Finding out it would be computer generated was a little disappointing to me & I wasn’t sure I’d want to “bother” seeing it in theaters. Your review definitely has me thinking I need to make a trip!

  6. I saw the movie but not 3D or IMAX & really enjoyed it. Mined you, I never saw any other rendition before this. It really put my 11yr old niece & I in the holiday mood. I agree it is not for small children. I saw a family with a child leave the theater too.

  7. Wow! Your review makes me want to go see it even more! My daughter told me to “Forget IT!” the first time she saw the commercial and saw how excited I was, she was not going to go see it. I guess after your review, she was right. Oh, the insight of the 9 year olds these days!
    Maybe I can talk my husband into it…………

  8. Thanks for the review, Jack.

    My favorite “A Christmas Carol” has always been the George C. Scott version. That always seemed to me to treat things the most seriously. And what a cast of actors!

    Thanks for the review of the new film. I’ll make sure I see it.

  9. Thanks for the review Mike. My wife and I saw the movie this weekend as well, and I have to totally agree. It is very well done and very true to the story, of course I still enjoy the Muppets light-hearted version very much as well.

  10. Thanks for the review Mike, I too have the same feelings of such a timeless classic. I love Dickens and this story is one of my all time favorites. I recall many a holiday season watching Allistair Sim with my Dad over home made christmas pudding and custard. I really look forward to seeing the new version especially now that I have read your review.

  11. What a great review Mike, I agree with every point raised! The film is rated as ‘Parental Guidance’ here in the UK and this is a MUST. It’s an excellent but very dark Disney movie, children will need to know and understand the story before seeing this version. Jim Carrey blew me away as always.

  12. Thanks for the post! I am a huge fan of Christmas Carol, especially the George C Scott version. I was thinking of taking my daughter, but maybe we will stick to the ones she has seen, since I know she is okay with them…maybe on rental next year…! I cant wait to see it though!