New ‘Carol’ adaptation sets itself apart from the pack
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 11/13/2009
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Funnier than its live-action counterparts but creepier than previous animated versions, Robert Zemeckis’ adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” starring Jim Carrey, is sure to keep audiences entertained this holiday season.
This film is yet another in the line of cinematic retellings of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas ghost story. What sets it apart is its dark tone despite its animated nature, and a tighter focus on the lessons the famous miser Ebenezer Scrooge learns on his journeys with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.
The animated feature is the latest film from Zemeckis, who pioneered the same motion-capture technology in previous films “The Polar Express” and “Beowulf.” The result of this venture is a story filled with much more of the suspense and darkness found in Dickens’ original story. It even stays true to the original wording, borrowing much of the dialogue from the book. Previous reproductions have failed to capture these attributes, relying instead on charm and humor.
The movie opens with the startling image of the dead face of Scrooge’s former business partner, Jacob Marley, followed by an exciting journey through the animated streets of Victorian London. The rest of the film follows the same basic formula – dark, thought-provoking images of disturbing specters and death horses mixed with fast-paced animation designed to keep the audience on the edge of its seat.
Evident in Scrooge’s face are the features of Jim Carrey, who turns in great performances as the old miser and the three ghosts that haunt him. Perhaps most memorable is the Ghost of Christmas Past, who is portrayed as a candle shedding light on the past events of Scrooge’s life. Also featured are Colin Firth as Fred Scrooge and Gary Oldman as Bob Cratchit.
The final result is an intense, aesthetically pleasing journey through mistakes made long ago to the steps taken to make things right. Fans of suspense and Christmas should check it out. Final Grade: A-.