Review: A Christmas Carol

Reviewed by Adam Mast, Zboneman.com.

There have been several splendid adaptations of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (my personal favorite is 1970’s “Scrooge” starring Albert Finney), but this is the first version to be told through the motion capture process (a fusion of live action and computer animation that was also used to bring Polar Express, Beowulf, and Monster House to life).

This highly stylized take (which can also be viewed in impressive Imax 3-D) comes courtesy of technical wizard Robert Zemeckis. This story–about a cantankerous old man who’s taught the true meaning of Christmas through the aid of three wise (and convincing) ghosts–remains faithful to the source material (save for a flashy, extended action sequence in which a miniaturized Scrooge is chased by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come).

This time around, Scrooge has been brought to life by an effective Jim Carrey. In fact, Carrey plays multiple roles here (including Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come), and its wonderful work right across the board. Rounding out a fine supporting cast are Gary Oldman (Bob Cratchit, Marley, and Tiny Tim), Bob Hoskins (Mr. Fezziwig, Old Joe), Robin Wright Penn (Belle), Colin Firth (Fred), and Carey Elwes (Dick Wilkins, Mad Fiddler).

Technically, this take on Christmas Carol is impressive. The scenes in which Scrooge takes flight over old London are breathtaking and the character and location design is virtually flawless. Having said that, I’m still not entirely sold on the motion capture process. The movements and overall expressions are fine, but there’s still a somewhat soulless aspect to these characters, particularly in the eyes. Still, there’s no denying that this process has come a long way since Polar Express, and the upcoming Avatar looks to be taking the technology even further.

Pic: Jim Carrey as Scrooge in Disney's A Christmas Carol.

There have been stronger adaptations of A Christmas Carol, but this one certainly looks and sounds amazing, and while there are a few scenes that might be a bit scary for toddlers, this is a holiday release that the whole family can enjoy.