I'm going to be brutally honest now: I have very few feelings about Christmas. As a staunch socialist (nearing communist) and atheist both the capitalist and religious meanings of the holiday are completely lost on me. As far as I'm concerned the holiday is just the same as any other time I spend outside of university (formerly school). Except slightly colder.
With all this said it may come as a shock to know that I love the feeling about at Christmas. I love the idea of good-will to all men (and women of course), sharing, and holiday cheer. Even with my own experiences of Christmas consisting mainly of sitting around in my bedclothes and watching TV, there's something about the stories which gets me. As an example: it's the only time of the year that I can think Disney without immediately thinking Nazi afterwards. Oh wait -
I think I actually have to credit my enjoyment of a festive feeling to the media. Half because my own life is seemingly devoid of it, and half because TV and films are simply better at Christmas. And it's not only because of the production values. Simply put: the stories presented at Christmas all hit something shared within the human experience; that bizarre feeling of instantaneous excitement for an event (which ultimately disappoints). I would personally argue that The Snowman is the best example of this and no other films need apply, but apparently Disney disagree.
Nazi wankers.
A Christmas Carol sees Jim Carrey join the likes of Patrick Stewart (A Christmas Carol), Rowan Atkinson (Blackadder's A Christmas Carol), and even The Muppets (A Muppet Christmas Carol) in the plethora of TV adaptations of Dickens' famous book. Like all versions of the film, this one has a gimmick – it's 3D. Whilst I can honestly say that I'm not too much of a fan of 3D films, I don't mind admitting that it works here. If there's one thing Disney can do well it's animation.
As for the rest of the film, I'm going to dive straight into my nitpicking. And honestly there isn't too much to comment upon. As everyone over the age of a sperm cell knows the plot of this film it's probably only worth mentioning how it's represented here. Rather oddly the first twenty, or maybe even thirty minutes of the film are some of the bleakest sections of animation I have ever witnessed. The portrayal of Scrooge as a complete and utter bastard is so brutal and nigh on perfect that it becomes impossible to see how this film could have been made for children.
Then it all derails into a jaunty trip down Disney lane for a large period of time. Things move fast, colours splash all over the screen and children giggle. It's oh so wonderful.
As with any self-respecting mature male does when confronted with this sort of entertainment I tried to find my inner child and enjoy what I was presented. Finding him bitter and full of the ashes of failed promise I got bored and messed around with my 3D glasses for a bit. Just as I was about to switch off entirely something remarkable happened. Disney went back to being bleak. My inner ash child was contented and I continued to watch. Until it ended like every rendition of this story always does: with Scrooge becoming a happy, Christmas loving man. Rather abruptly I might add.
Other than the plot I can't find much to mention. The animation is fantastic, the voice acting is fine, and the musical score is Christmassy. I can only really say that I don't think anyone will enjoy all of this film. The beginning is too slow and bleak for children, the middle too quick and Disney-esque for adults, and the end too unbelievable. It's worth a watch I guess.
Fuck it: back to The Snowman.
6/10
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