The Story:
The classic tale of Christmas redemption as written by Charles Dickens... with a Muppet twist! Charles Dickens (Gonzo the Great) and Rizzo the Rat narrate the story of Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine) who is haunted by the ghosts of his dead partner(s), Jacob and Robert Marley (Waldorf and Statler). Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future and is haunted by what he sees. Will it be enough to change the heart of one so miserly as Scrooge?
Well yes, yes it will.
Is it wrong that this is my favorite adaptation of A Christmas Carol?
Unless you count Scrooged.
:)
But back to this version, yes it has Muppets...yes it has singing...yes it has Gonzo and Rizzo working narration...
But. It. Works.
It's magical, and I can't help but think of the tremendous legacy that Jim Henson left us when he passed away.
This, the first feature after his death (and the passing of Richard Hunt - Scooter) showed that the Muppets were in good hands with son Brian Henson at the helm.
And poor Steve Whitmire, welcome to the Muppet Family, please voice Kermit as Bob Cratchit in the first film since the voice of Kermit has passed away.
How's that for tremendous job pressure for your first gig??!!
Yes, the voice is different, how could it not be? But it's still Kermit, the heart of the green frog we grew up with is still there.
From 1992, now 20 years later, this movie is still magical, and it gets watched at a minimum of once a year around this time.
I probably shouldn't like it more than my kids, but I do. I grew up on the Muppet Show, so they are very much a part of my childhood, and I still love those guys.
It doesn't hurt that the storyline that the Muppets are tackling is one of the best stories, Christmas or otherwise, ever committed to paper by an author.
The deviations in the story that they take are either to make it work for the story or choice of Muppet (Waldorf & Statler) and the inclusion of Dickens and Rizzo was a stroke of storytelling genius that allowed for comic banter in an otherwise somber (and sometimes frightening!) story.
The musical numbers are all well done, and if you've only seen the version WITHOUT "When Love is Gone", then you haven't seen the film yet.
It's hauntingly beautiful, and you can't help but feel for Scrooge as you watch his heart break when he realizes what a mistake he has made in his life.
I could argue that it's Michael Caine's best performance, yes, ever, in any movie he's ever done.
Some would disagree and cite this movie or that...
But he nailed Scrooge, and I would rank his performance up against anyone who has taken on the role.
Don't let singing Muppets fool you, this is a great adaptation for the whole family.
Final Grade: A+
Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I own it, and I have the version that includes the song. I hesitate to upgrade to Blu Ray until I know for certain that scene is in there, and not just included as a Deleted Scene extra.
Wishing all of you a Very Merry Christmas!!!
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