BootDigest
Such a frustrating disappointment
Wordiezett
So much average
Gary
The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.
Karen
This is the best animated version of this wonderful story which is essential viewing at Christmas. I love the quality of the animation and the cast is top class.I would have given this film a perfect 10 BUT for the term "Happy Holidays". Happy Holidays? The clue is in the title, "A Christmas Carol". Yes, it's a Christian themed story of redemption written by Charles Dickens. In Victorian England, where the vast majority of people were Christian, they would have said "Merry Christmas".As Mr Scrooge said,"I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A MERRY Christmas to every-body! A happy New Year to all the world! Hallo here! Whoop! Hallo!"
Python Hyena
A Christmas Carol (2009): Dir: Robert Zemeckis / Cast: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Robin Wright, Cary Elwes: Classic Christmas tale that never seems to get old. Director Robert Zemeckis is perfect for the job since having made the Back to the Future films as well as Who Framed Roger Rabbit? He brings about the same adventurous feel of those previous films. Jim Carrey plays Ebenezer Scrooge whose reputation for being wealthy and selfish are well documented, however, he is visited by his late partner, Jacob Marley who informs him that he will be visited by three ghosts that represent his past, present and future. Jim Carrey plays off all three ghosts as well as Scrooge whose life is an open exam within one night, Christmas Eve. Gary Oldman appears as the tortured Marley whose mistakes are cemented in chains but he offers Scrooge an opportunity to avoid his fate. Colin Firth plays his nephew who expects Scrooge to visit for Christmas despite what others say. Firth remains one of encouragement and belief that Scrooge has good in him. Robin Wright appears as Scrooge's fiancé whom he once had passion for until he chose his career over her and has since regretted it. Cary Elwes also performs multiple roles, beginning with an old roommate of Scrooge. The message of giving and redemption is still as clear in this version as it was in the Alastair Sim version in years past. Score: 10 / 10
NateWatchesCoolMovies
My personal favourite Christmas movie of all time: Robert Zemeckis's triumphant telling of Charles Dicken's timeless 'A Christmas Carol'. I'm not sure if Disney quite knew what they were in for when the handed the reins to Zemeckis, but he's never been one for cutting corners or watering things down in his work (his Beowulf is an hard R rated marvel of filmmaking) and he pulls no punches here, presenting a version that's true to Dicken's book down to,every macabre detail and dense, period authentic line of dialogue. I say all the better, and the silly parents who complained this was too 'dark' for their kiddies: grow a spine, and some balls while you're at it. It's full Dicken's glory given the adrenaline shot of Zemeckis's trademark, visionary motion capture technique to provide visuals so dazzling your eyes will need spotters. The motion capture allows for all kinds of camera tricks not possible with live action, and it's used to full effect, as we swoop, swing and dance along with Scrooge all throughout London on his classic journey. The technique also allows each actor to play multiple roles, and half the fun of the film is spotting various thespians hiding in different roles, often very unlike their real life looks. Jim Carrey works overtime here, playing Scrooge at four different ages and all three of the Christmas ghosts in a tour de force effort. His old Scrooge is the star of the show, a cantankerous old buzzard who's surprisingly spry when it comes to racing around the city in his skivvies like the roadrunner. His Ghost Of Christmas Past is an eerie, flickering candle with Carrey's twinkling visage hidden within, and Ghost Of Christmas Present a booming, ginger tufted Father Christmas, sporting a northern English accent that Carrey is disarmingly deft with. Gary Oldman I known for disappearing into roles, but he's actually the most recognizable here, as a jolly little Bob Cratchit and a terrifying, croaking Jacob Marley. Colin Firth makes pleasantries as Scrooge's kindly nephew, Robin Wright Penn as Ebenezer's old flame, Bob Hoskins as a bouncing Fezziwig and always welcome Cary Elwes as the portly gent. Zemeckis, similarly to what he did with The Polar Express, takes the source and runs with it to places beyond imagining, while never losing the core of what makes the stories so special. At times his Christmas Carol feels like a careening carnival ride, with us thrown right smack in the middle of the action, right at Scrooge's side as he's put through a wringer on the holiest of nights, forced to confront his ways, and tossed along rooftops, soaring over snow dusted English landscapes and making his way through ye olde London at the most magical time of the year. This ones a treasure for me. I've already watched it two times this season and plan on a third. It's just the ultimate Christmas story, given that special dose of movie magic that only Zemeckis can deliver. 🎄🎄Merry Christmas to all my family and friends, may you all have a special time today and in the New Year, and thanks so much for all the support from you in my writing!! Love you all:)
RyeDough
I first saw this movie when I was around 10, enclosed in an almost pitch- black cinema with the surround sound booming and echoing all around me (I believe I sat right beside a speaker, which didn't really help). Looking back on it now it is still a little creepy, but at the time it really scared me. Whether or not it is true to the book I cannot really say, but I am fairly certain that it is a tad more accurate than the Muppets' version. In saying this however, I must point out that the Muppets' version is a family movie. THIS IS NOT A FAMILY MOVIE. Going back to a previous statement, I am not sure how close this is to the book. If it was an exact replica of the book then there are certain aspects of the book that are just stupid, for this movie contains some really stupid scenes. Not wanting to spoil the movie for you I will not mention them, but I am sure that if you watch it you will pick them up for yourself.A word of advice for parents. If you are watching it, I would not recommend having children below 12 to accompany you. The sleepless nights aren't worth it, trust me.
