These days, it feels like every movie out there is a remake or retelling of something. Too often, we are forced to pay $10 to watch childhood classics being butchered. However, when Disney does Christmas, they do it well. Although the average college student may associate “A Christmas Carol” with Patrick Stewart, the Muppets or, heck, Charles Dickens, 21st century children are bound to remember this particular 3D version.
In this telling of “A Christmas Carol,” directed by Robert Zemeckis (“Beowulf”), Jim Carrey (“Yes Man”) reminds the world the Christmas season is a time for family, friends and philanthropy and that you can always take advantage of a second chance.
For those of you living under a rock, “A Christmas Carol,” originally a novella written by Charles Dickens in 1843, tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a crabby, selfish old man who hates Christmas. After being visited by the ghost of his former business partner, who was equally greedy and inconsiderate, he is warned he will be visited by three spirits: the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. The Ghost of Christmas Past reminds him who he once was, the Ghost of Christmas Present shows him how others feel about who he is now and the Ghost of Christmas Future shows him who he will be if he doesn’t change his ways. Funnyman Carrey shows off his extraordinary vocal range by portraying not only Scrooge, but all three spirits with distinctly different voices and personalities.
Disney simply does not disappoint when it comes to 3D animation films, and “A Christmas Carol” is no exception. The artwork is simply breathtaking, particularly the detailed caricature of Scrooge. Everything from Scrooge’s knotted, bony hands to his wrinkled, age-speckled face is magnificently created. Viewers almost have to remind themselves that it’s merely animation.
When the Ghost of Christmas Present appears, Scrooge walks into a huge, magnificent room filled with twinkling lights, gaudy decorations and a Santa Claus-like man with a huge bellowing belly laughing atop a stack of red-and-white packaged gifts. The picture would make any Grinch’s heart melt. The 3D effects create the feeling that you really are in the center of it all.
The animation is particularly top notch in the many scenes where Scrooge is flying through the air, as well as the opening scenes showing the snow-covered town. It feels as though you are hang gliding through a picture-perfect postcard town, with images of small children sliding on ice and steaming hot chestnuts being poured into paper bags, placing you directly into December in 19th century England.
The film surprisingly stays very true to the original story. Adults will appreciate many key quotes and moments. Although no major parts are left out, some slightly unnecessary chasing scenes are added. Also, many comedic quips by Carrey are thrown in there. He also frequently tries to get away from the spirits, but they keep grabbing him and restraining him, which left many children in the theater laughing.
The plot sails along at a nice pace. Although the dramatic pauses and suspenseful hesitant moments were a bit much and tended to drag the movie on, it was by no means slow moving or obnoxiously long. Everything in the movie either progresses the plot or makes the audience laugh or think, keeping it going steadily and smoothly.
The soundtrack fits perfectly with the film as well. During moments of Christmas cheer and humor, it was laced with classic carols and twinkling tones of trumpets, bells and flutes. During times of sadness or the haunting by the Ghost of Christmas Future, the music changes to the dramatic, deep sounds of a full orchestra and clashing tones.
Although the movie is generally pleasing and enjoyable, it isn’t exactly as kid-friendly as one might expect. Many of the previously mentioned original quotes may leave kids confused, and the scene where the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals two monstrous children under his cloak and subsequently withers away to nothing is quite graphic and could be frightening.
Overall, the movie blended the old with the new to create a Disney 3D masterpiece that will surely be remembered. Although the film was oozing with cheesiness and cheer, isn’t Christmas one of the times those two things are completely acceptable? This film will most likely be appealing to all ages and the audience will be happy to be filled with the spirit of Christmas.
4 stars out of 5.
