Review of The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) by Kendall I — 22 Dec 2011

In memory of Jim Henson.

PLOT:The Muppets take the classic story of the Christmas Carol to the big screen. Charles Dickens (The Great Gonzo) tells the story of a Christmas Carol with Rizzo the Rat. Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine) is a cheap, bitter old man who hates Christmas and everything to do with. When Christmas Eve falls, his apprentices come back from the dead to tell him that three ghosts are coming to show him things and try to change him. It's the basic Christams Carol plot, but it's executed warmly.

ACTING:The Muppets were the Muppets and there's nothing to that. Caine did a pretty good job as Scrooge, but I don't believe he was the best at all.

SCORE:This is actually what I love best about this movie; the songs. The songs were written by the brilliant Paul Williams, and they are brilliant as well. Each song is catchy, melodic, and gives of a warm and fun feeling (aside from my least favorite, "The Love Is Gone"). The score itself isn't too bad either.

EFFECTS:The effects this movie had were actually pretty intricate; from the morphing doorknob, to the sparkling loss of Christmas Present, to the harrowing portals of Christmas Future. The effects actually had effect!

OTHER CONTENT:Now, this is a pretty good portrayal of Charles Dickens' classic story, but it's most definitely not the best. They say this is a wonderful introduction of the tale to younger viewers, and I agree; the Muppets put a certian charm in it with their humor and beloved family following, but the accuracy to the book is somewhat lost and the culture is lowered. The Muppets give it charm, but take away accuracy.

OVERALL,an ok Christmas Carol with a warmly executed plot, good acting, brilliant score, intricate effects, and the Muppets' charm, but with that charm comes loss of culture.