Review of Scrooged (1988) by Brian D — 18 Oct 2010

Scrooged is derived from the Dickens story, but as this is a perennial favorite, I thought I'd include it in the group of Christmas Carols I've been reviewing. Normally, I don't like derivatives and loose adaptations of classic stories (they fail more than they succeed), but this was Bill Murray doing what he does best. The rest of the cast was appropriate, (in fact I don't really like ANY of them, well, maybe Carol Kane) but Murray owns this film, and the whole concept wouldn't have worked without him. His sardonic tone throughout is perfect for the Scrooge-y character of the TV exec, although at times, he's a little too shrill.

The comedy can't be denied to Bill, however, it has some things about it that, to me, were over-indulgent. The ending seemed a bit rushed and forced, and and the very fact that it's a exploitative Christmas film about Christmas being exploited is an interesting irony. This is one of those films where I almost felt Murray was laughing at the people watching this film -- an uncomfortable feeling to have for what is supposed to inject cheer into your holidays. Nevertheless, he pulls it off because he has talent, and there are some good moments where they touch the real spirit of the holidays.

Overall, it's an entertaining film, but not one of Murray's better efforts. Echoes of the Cross character's miserable existence can be seen in Lost In Translation.