'Christmas Carol' fails to capture spirit of the story

Since Charles Dickens published the first edition of his classic holiday favorite “A Christmas Carol,” (December 19^th, 1848) more then 30 versions of the book have been made into films.  This week Walt Disney is releasing its newest version of the acclaimed Christmas story, starring funny man Jim Carrey.  This is Disney’s third time in 26 years producing a big screen adaptation of the novel and despite the two other kid friendly versions, this one is definitely not.

Story:

Everyone knows the story behind “A Christmas Carol.”  A tight fisted banker named Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his old business partner Jacob Marley, who warns him that his foolish ways will one day comeback to haunt him.  To help guide Scrooge on the path of redemption, three ghosts pay him a visit to show the past, present and future of what is to come if he does not begin treating others with a kinder heart. 

 

Director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, The Polar Express) once again uses the new technology of motion capture to help tell his version of the story. (Motion capture is a process where actors are rigged with touch point suits that record every motion and facial expression they make, helping to animate the characters movements)  Jim Carrey takes on numerous roles in the film, including the main character Ebenezer Scrooge as well as the three ghosts.  The digital animation in this film is groundbreaking as well as the 3-D effects, which encompass most of the movie.

Review:

The two main problems with “A Christmas Carol” involve the non-kid friendly animated scenes and the overdone 3-D effects.  In an attempt to help darken the story from its usual family version, Zemeckis uses things like black stallions with bright red eyes to help symbolize death chasing Scrooge.  Also, when visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley, there is a part where Marley’s very life-like jaw breaks off.  In addition, the director goes overboard with the 3-D effects, creating scenes that have no relevance to the film just to satisfy the audiences watching it in 3-D. 

 

Final thoughts:

I believe this film can be judged on multiple levels.  Jim Carrey’s voices along with the animation should definitely be praised, however it can’t detract from the misguided story.  I expect this film will do well in the box office, however I don’t recommend this for anyone younger then ten-years-old.  The combination of mature scenes along with the traditional English language, makes the film unsuitable for young children.  I still believe Disney’s best version of this story can be seen in the Muppet version of “A Christmas Carol” starring Michael Caine.

 

Click here to watch “A Christmas Carol” trailer

Next project:

Jim Carrey starring in “Me Time”

Robert Zemeckis producing “Mars Needs Moms!” out 2010

 

 

 

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