Film Review: THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (1992)

Director: Brian Henson
Running time: 85 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): U

UK release date: 18th December 1992

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 18th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

In the eighteen years since its release I had never seen this film all the way through, until today. It is, of course the classic Charles Dickens tale told using the inimitable style of the Muppets. My thoughts later, here’s a very brief summary first (summary haters please go & buy the biggest goose you can find while I write the next paragraph).

This is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean businessman who treats his staff very badly and is mean to everyone, even his own family. One Christmas Eve he is visited by the ghosts of his old partners, the Marley’s. They warn him that he will be visited by three ghosts that night and urge him to change is ways or he will end up like them, in chains for all eternity. The Ghost of Christmas Past visits him first and he is taken back to his childhood to see the boy, and the young man, he was and he began to see what could have been. Next comes the Ghost of Christmas Present and he is taken to see his employee, Bob Cratchit and his family. One of Bob’s sons, Tiny Tim is crippled, but has great spirit and this touches Scrooge deeply. Finally the Ghost of Christmas Future visits Scrooge and shows him what future awaits him if he doesn’t change his ways. Will he take heed of the ghosts? Well, if you don’t know I guess I’d better not spoil it for you.

It’s a pretty well made film with lots of comic moments thrown in courtesy of Gonzo the Great (as Charles Dickens), the narrator, and his sidekick, Rizzo the Rat. There are plenty of songs along the way too, these didn’t do much for me, but I guess they have their place. I thought Michael Caine was excellent as Ebenezer Scrooge, but please don’t sing on film again Mr Caine, it’s not your best talent I’m afraid.

Over all, a very engaging film with lots of familiar characters, some great comedy and a pretty decent Scrooge. It’s not the best Christmas film ever made, but it is pretty entertaining and I enjoyed seeing the Muppets again! I liked the fact that they didn’t stray too far from Dickens original story too, and so, recommended (but mostly for younger viewers).

My score: 7.4/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0104940/
Official Site: http://www.henson.com/muppets_content.php?content=muppetschristmascarol
Trailer: http://movieclips.com/VkLdn-the-muppet-christmas-carol-movie-trailer/