Review of Scrooged (1988) by Justin S — 09 Jan 2011

Scrooged may not be as overlooked and underrated as other films in this category, but it's the holidays and Scrooged fits the bill better than any Christmas film I know. You may have seen it before, especially if you grew up in the 1980s, but most people I know haven't seen it since the 80s and are in need of a re-watch.

Scrooged is a unique take on the oft-filmed Charles Dickens classic story, A Christmas Carol. Frank Cross (Bill Murray), a TV station executive, is a modern day Scrooge, who runs second rate Christmas fodder such as The Night the Reindeer Died, around the holidays. Cross's company is in the process of preparing a live televised performance of the very tale he's about to become a part of. Meanwhile, Cross is busy firing employees, forcing others to work late, and even arguing with a member of the censor board about the visibility of an actresses nipples in her costume.

After a visit from his deceased boss (who gives Cross the usual spiel about how he's a bad person and he'll be visited by three spirits), Cross, in a fit of desperation and panic, contacts his old flame, Claire (Karen Allen) who has taken to helping others at a homeless shelter. From here, the film takes on the form of any other 'Scrooge' film, except with a comedic twist.

Bill Murray is always going to be Bill Murray in any comedy role. Which means Cross is a witty, insensitive, megalomaniac, and we love him all the more for it. This is a perfect blend for an updated version of the penny pinching miser we all love to hate.

Supporting roles are filled with talent that you would have recognized in the 80s, but may be asking, "Who?", when they're names are presented to you today. David Johansen is entertaining as the cigar chomping cab driving Ghost of Christmas Past who taunts Cross while his emotional past is presented to him. Carol Kane (who I loved in The Princess Bride (1987) and Transylvania 6-5000 (1985)) always brings spark and life to her roles, and her rendition of the Ghost of Christmas Present is no exception. Kane even manages to use a toaster as a weapon while appearing as pure and wholesome as the Good Witch of the North from the land of Oz.

I'll admit it here and now (and proudly too), I'm a die hard Bobcat Goldthwait fan. If Bobcat is in it (or directing it), I'll watch it. I'd like to shake the hand of whoever come up with the idea of putting Bill Murray and Bobcat Goldthwait together in a movie. Every moment these two share on screen is comedy gold.

A handful of cameos, which older film goers will enjoy, are dropped into the comedy mix, however, today's 20-somethings may be left scratching their heads wondering why you're amused by the presence of Mary Lou Retton, Robert Goulet, and even the unforgettable Lee Majors.

Whether Scrooged is new to you, or a long lost holiday friend to reconnect with, it's sure to give you a dysfunctional form of holiday cheer while providing a new twist on a classic story. This Christmas, get your family and friends together and show them exactly why Bill Murray is still sought out after all these years.