Christmas Review - A Christmas Carol (2009)

       Hey guys, Chuck here. Well, today is Christmas Eve, which means we're looking at yet another adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale of A Christmas Carol. And, this year, we're looking at the 2009 Disney animated adaptation of A Christmas Carol from director Robert Zemeckis, and starring the likes of Jim Carrey, Colin Firth, Gary Oldman, Carey Elwes, Robin Wright, and Bob Hoskins. 

      So, this is another pure adaptation of the classic Dickens story. Ebenezer Scrooge, years after the death of his business partner Jacob Marley, is visited by the ghost of Marley on Christmas Eve, who arrives with a chance for Scrooge to avoid a terrible fate upon his death. And, that chance involves a visit from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. And, of course, Scrooge relives his younger years, sees the day of Christmas from the homes of his clerk, Bob Cratchit, and his nephew, Fred, and sees the future of the Cratchit family losing their young child, Tiny Tim, as well as his own grave. And, after these visitations, Scrooge mends his ways, buys a turkey for the Cratchit family, and spends Christmas evening with Fred and his wife and friends. And, of course, the next day, Scrooge gives Cratchit a pay raise and offers to help his struggling family. 

      What makes this iteration of A Christmas Carol stand out, however, is the computer animation, motion capture work, and use of 3D. The mocap was utilized brilliantly, as it allowed multiple roles to be portrayed by the same actor. For instance, Jim Carrey takes on the roles of Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Meanwhile, Gary Oldman takes on the roles of Bob Cratchit and Jacob Marley, and Bob Hoskins portrays both Fezziwig and Old Joe. Colin Firth, however, only has a single role as Scrooge's nephew Fred. The combined computer animation and use of 3D genuinely created an immersive world in this movie. When I saw it in theaters in 3D around Thanksgiving 2009, the falling snow genuinely accented the scenery in the movie, as it felt as though snow was falling in front of what was happening on screen, and it was cool. As for when the Ghosts show Scrooge around with what they need him to see, it feels like a genuine thrill ride. 

       There were a few elements in this version of A Christmas Carol that were genuinely unique. For instance, the designs for the Ghosts. The Ghost of Christmas Past is designed to look like a floating candle with a face in the flame. The Ghost of Christmas Present keeps the classic appearance, but is incredibly jolly and laughs almost constantly. Lastly, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is a spectre literally silhouetted on a surface, only entering a third dimension a handful of times. But, easily the best moment is in the Cratchit house when the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge the Cratchit family after the death of Tiny Tim. In the scene, Scrooge is unseen on the stairs, and Bob Cratchit, who is unaware that his boss is looking at him, lets all of his sorrow and grief out, with Scrooge unable to get away and forced to take it all in. 

       However, does all of this make for a great adaptation of A Christmas Carol? Not necessarily. Now, I will give this movie credit for being the first movie based on the classic tale I saw in a movie theater, but it's fairly pedestrian and safe when compared to previous adaptations of A Christmas Carol. Don't get me wrong, Jim Carrey gave an absolutely terrific performance as Scrooge, which was arguably better than his take on the Grinch. But, I am personally more fond of earlier takes on A Christmas Carol, such as Mickey's Christmas Carol, The Muppets Christmas Carol, and the made-for-TV version of A Christmas Carol with Patrick Stewart. But, I still recommend this one based solely on the visual storytelling brought to life by director Robert Zemeckis. To me, it's an example of some of the parts being better than the whole. 

      Alright guys, this is Chuck signing off. Have a fantastic Christmas, and I will be back on Friday for my review of Song Sung Blue.