Bah Humbug—In 3-D!

It’s never Christmas until someone puts out a new version of “A Christmas Carol.”

This year, the Walt Disney Company gives another go at the classic Dickens tale—after “Mickey’s A Christmas Carol” and “A Muppet Christmas Carol.” They have teamed up with Robert Zemeckis again, the first time since “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”, and utilize the innovative animation used for the classic “The Polar Express.”

This go-around, miser Ebenezer Scrooge is played by Jim Carrey at all ages. On Christmas Eve, he is haunted by the specter of his old partner Jacob Marley (Gary Oldman), who warns Scrooge that his after death fate is a bleak one. Scrooge is then visited by three spirits (all played by Carrey) who show him visions of Christmases past, present and future. It shouldn’t be much of a spoiler by now to reveal that in the end, Scrooge changes his ways and becomes a better person because of his encounters.

It was a bit jarring to hear that a funny man such as Jim Carrey would be taking on Ebenezer Scrooge, but he does the role justice. My father believed he modeled some of Scrooge’s speech patterns on Alastair Sims, oft considered the epitome of Scrooges. He also did a wonderful job as the various ghosts, particularly the whispery tones he took for the Ghost of Christmas Past. In a change of events, the Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Be wasn’t the most frightening specter in the movie. That honor belongs to Marley and the gaggle of ghosts bearing his fate that Scrooge sees from his window. Oldman’s voice is adds a layer of creepiness, though he does tender as well in his other roles as Bob Crachit and Tiny Tim.

If there is one flaw, it is that the story is a bit rushed. The spirits do not dwell long and scenes are cut short. Belle (voiced by Robin Wright Penn) is hurried from a wordless dance to her breaking the engagement with Scrooge. The scenes at the Crachit household was also unusually short, not allowing for much with Tiny Tim.

This is an admirable addition to the litany of “A Christmas Carol” adaptations that exist. It may not be suitable for young children and parents should use caution for some intense scenes. Otherwise, go see it!

(Especially in 3-D)

My Favorite Version of a Christmas Carol. Ever.

And is anyone familiar with my blog surprised it is the Disney one?

Mickey's Christmas Carol stars Scrooge McDuck as, appropriately, Ebenezer Scrooge. Mickey and Minnie Mouse naturally play Bob Cratchit and his wife with one of Mickey's nephews portraying Tiny Tim. Goofy is a not-so-scary Marley while Jiminy Cricket, Willie the Giant and Peg-Leg Pete play the ghosts (Past, Present and Future respectively). Donald Duck plays Scrooge's nephew Fred while Daisy plays Scrooge's old girlfriend Isabelle.

Unlike Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, this one acknowledges Fred and shows the ghosts in proper order. However, a warning for those with little kids, the Ghost of Christmas Future's sequence may be a bit intense for the tots as flames arise out of Scrooge's tomb. However, it is one of the few times this particular Dickens ghost gets a face.

Seeing the classic Disney characters act out one of the best known Christmas stories is a thrill and may help introduce younger views to such characters as Willie the Giant or Mr. Toad (who played Fezziwig). And it's always good to see Mickey and the gang in 2-D (clearly, I'm not a fan of the 3-D Mickey).

My father taped a showing of Mickey's Christmas Carol which also featured a few old animated shorts, including one of Goofy's old "How to" shorts (if you have never seen these, do. They are hysterical, particularly the winter sports). My other favorite involves Chip and Dale, Pluto and Mickey's Christmas tree. It is beautifully animated and quite a good watch.

Perhaps I'm a bit biased, but I think I shall give this one five candy canes.

It's Great to be Back! Back!

Ahh, is there anything more classic Christmas than Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol? There have been several adaptations of the story and a few will likely end up on this list. This is the first--Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol.

Mr. Magoo (Jim Backus, best known as Thurston Howell III on Gilligan's Island--you know, the Millionaire) returns to the stage as Ebenezer Scrooge in a musical version of the Dickens classic. The role fits as Magoo himself is a miser--who won't even spring for a pair of much needed glasses. Magoo's lack of eyesight is often a catalyst for many calamaties off set. The story, otherwise, is well known--miserly Scrooge is visited by three spirits in hopes he will regain the Christmas spirit. The family of Scrooge's clerk Bob Cratchit--particularly the ill young son Tiny Tim--help Scrooge realize tis better to give then receive.

It is unknown why the special changes the order of the ghosts. The Ghost of Christmas Present is the first ghost while the Ghost of Christmas Past follows him. Also, they knock out the story of Fred, Scrooge's nephew. But the story still retains the other characters we all know and love. I also think this one has the best Past sequence, with the hooligans selling Scrooge's possessions while singing about how bad they are. The legendary Paul Frees lends his voice to many characters, including some of these ne'er-do-wells.

The songs featured in the show are memorable. From the lament young Scrooge sings about being alone in the world to the the Cratchits joyous celebration of Christmas, all will have you humming (and sometimes clapping) along.

For being an entertaining retelling of A Christmas Carol but for never really telling us what a razleberry was, I give Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol four and a half candy canes out of five.