The Charles Dickens Christmas classic has been made into yet another film incarnation. With a large cast of famous actors, the age-old tale of Scrooge's self-redemption comes to life with the style of CGI animation we have seen in films like The Polar Express. Usually when I hear a movie is being remade with a method such as this, I proceed with caution. Fortunately in this 2009 remake, there is no need for caution — it works on many levels. It's an instant classic that children and adults will find value in watching. This is especially true during the holiday season.
It was directed by Rober Zemeckis, known for so many films with brilliant special effects, but the most relevant ones being The Polar Express, Beowulf, and Monster House. He also wrote the screenplay here. He did a more than respectful job; it shares all the the excitement and human moments of the classic book.
Jim Carrey does a knock-out job with his voice portrayal of Scrooge. Note: he doesn't stop there. Carrey does the voices of Scrooge, the Ghost of Christmas Past, Scrooge as a Young Boy, Scrooge as a Teenage Boy, Scrooge as a Young Man, Scrooge as a Middle-Aged Man, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Along with Carrey, many other actors such as Gary Oldman do the voice acting for multiple roles. This gives the characters a continuity that adds to the ethereal and familiar look of the movie. I should note it has been released in regular format as well as 3D. I did not see the 3D version.
Ebenezer Scrooge utters classic lines one after the other. A memorable one is: "If I could have my way, every idiot who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips should be boiled in his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart!"
Through ghastly and serio-comic visits by ghosts throughout the night, Scrooge learns that he is thankful to have more time to give to others. He does so through monetary means as well as through showing up at events where he is always invited but never goes. As is customary with Scrooge, he is most funny in the end scenes.
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