Some of the visuals in Robert Zemeckis’ “A Christmas Carol” are amazing and the story remains fairly faithful to the original Dickens’ story. However, on the negative side, there’s some inappropriate humor, some out-of-place action and a lack of emotional connection that makes this version less than appealing. This is Zemeckis’ third motion capture film and it’s an improvement over “The Polar Express” (but I liked the story) and “Beowulf.” The figures in “A Christmas Carol” look almost real, which couldn’t be said for “The Polar Express.” And the voice work is uniformly good with Jim Carrey and Gary Oldman taking on a variety of roles. Also lending their talent is Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Colin Firth, and Cary Elwes.
The production, however, lacks emotional punch. It tells the familiar story, but there’s no heart. I especially had trouble with Scrooge’s transformation. One of my favorite versions is the 1951 version starring Alistair Sim and the change his Scrooge undergoes is touching and endearing. Unfortunately, Carrey’s change seems perfunctory. In addition, Zemeckis throws in some action scenes that would make Dickens roll over in his grave. Picture this: Scrooge is chased through the streets of London by an ominous black carriage drawn by horses with glowing red eyes. At one point in the chase, Scrooge shrinks to rodent size and chatters like Alvin the Chipmunk. And this wasn’t a short sequence. It went on and on and on. “A Christmas Carol” has a lavish look and lots of spectacle, but it lacks the magic this tale should evoke. 11/12/09
1 comment:
"Ä Christmas Carol" Probably won't make it til Christmas unless Disney keeps it playing in empty theaters. I like the 40 and 50 year old versions better. Rent it next year if you must see it.
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