Two words that identify a classic ghost story as distinctly as the two notes that identify a classic shark tale. Disney's A Christmas Carol is a wonderful retelling of the Dickens holiday staple. I was leery of yet another rehash of this story, especially in 3D. I have to admit being supremely impressed with, not just the technical achievements involved in animating this movie, but the story itself. Ebeneezer Scrooge was always portrayed as unpleasant, but in this, as in the novel, he borders on downright evil. Even with a few liberties taken to liven up the action, this is one of the closest adaptations of A Christmas Carol as has been produced since the 1951 Alastair Sim version. This is definitely not you average Disney fare, either. Truly scary at times, this is much more a tale of one man being haunted by his deeds than a raucous Christmas adventure. Yes, the eventual redemption still occurs (sorry, I won't provide spoiler alerts here, if you don't know how this story ends, too bad. He becomes a great guy.), but the journey getting there is much more creepy. When Scrooge faces the fact of his own mortality and legacy, it is a genuinely moving scene. The animation is some of the best character work done through CGI as well. The actors appear to be slight characitures of themselves, modified for whatever role they are playing.
Jim Carrey plays multiple roles in this, mainly Scrooge. In an inspired bit of casting, he also portrays all three Ghosts. Think about it, he plays the tormented soul and the inner voices of his own redemption. Absolutely brilliant. Gary Oldman as Cratchit and Marley, and Colin Firth as Scrooge's nephew Fred; both were great as well. There is just a plethora (I have always loved that word) of acting talent in this, and with the astronomical technical level of the animation, their performances shine through.
Of course, this is a movie to add to the collection for the holidays, but for when you want a solid haunting as well. A real surprise and treat to watch, I want this in all its glorious blu-rays. The 3D was a bit heavy at times, but the rest was so good, I was easily able to look past it. I don't care what time of year it is, there is no bad time to watch this movie. 9.25/10.
See you tomorrow, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!
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