Review of Christmas Carol, A

Introduction

It`s that time of year again. Well it isn`t. But as you know Christmas starts earlier and earlier and that goes for DVDs also. Last year`s Christmas special is this year`s DVD and this year it`s the return of the ever-popular Mr Scrooge.

I looked up A Christmas Carol; it must be among the most filmed of Dickens`s novels. The earliest I could find was 1908 directed by Tom Ricketts who apparently directed the first motion picture in Hollywood. Anyway every so often a new version comes out, and the shoes/boots of Scrooge are filled by someone with appropriate Gravitas or gravy to get the part.

Recent outings i.e. the last 30 or so years have included George C. Scott, Albert Finney and a modern version saw the cheerful chappie Bill Murray come over all Christmassy. The stand-out version for my generation has to be The Muppet Christmas Carol where Michael Caine is entirely incidental to those loveable green and other oddly coloured creatures(they are real aren`t they mum?)

This version with TV`s Frasier appearing as the hummbuuggiest Scrooge( there`s typecasting)is based on the Broadway musical which ran over 10 Christmas`s on Broadway. Music is by Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid and other Disney-fests)and lyrics are by Lyn Arhens (Ragtime, Seussical)

Video

A sumptuous set representing the olde tyme Christmas card London is beautifully lit and does its very best to look as much like a painting as possible in the opening sequences. The way the camera sweeps into the fictional world reminded me very much of the opening of Moulin Rouge.

There are some good visual effects, in the main; the ghost of Jacob Marley is well presented. The flying sequence of Scrooge and Ghost of Christmas present was too whimsical and owed too much to Peter Pan, I was expecting fairy dust. Also that woman`s legs are just too fat for flying(no offence).

Audio

The music by Menkin is fairly solid, occasionally veering dangerously close to the cloying sweet, which might cause tooth decay. I swear I heard strains of the Little Mermaid hidden in the "Jolly Good Time" number. This version has been prettied up bit by the way; the original musical had a much darker opening.

Features

Nothing much here and don`t watch the trailer or it could seriously put you off the film.

Conclusion

You`ve got to be in the right mood for this feel-good, make everyone enjoy Christmas tale. It`s such a well-know one that you can end up making comparisons between every other version. Despite the unseasonal timing for me I confess I enjoyed it somewhat.

As long as you don`t expect anything memorable, don`t physically hate Kelesey Grammar or small children and have had a couple of shots of egg nog you might just enjoy it -but bring back those Muppets!