This is a magical film. A visual feast of eye candy that is surely one of the most stunning animated films to look at. Acclaimed director Robert Zemeckis uses motion capture perfectly here as he did in his classic "The Polar Express". Based on the timeless book by Charles Dickens, the movie truly brings every moment to life. With a terrific cast highlighted by Jim Carey and Gary Oldman, the vivid characters that Dickens created seem to act and feel just the way he imagined. The story that Dickens wrote is heartfelt and definitely unique, and the script doesn't miss a beat. An unforgettable experience that keeps the magic coming from start to end.
To simply say that Jim Carey portrays Scrooge well is a total understatement. Carey is brilliant. If it wasn't for Zemeckis and his motion capture, he might be receiving an Oscar nod. It seems like Carey loses himself in the character, trying vigorously to act and feel the way Scrooge would. This is no easy task. Talk about a complex and difficult character to play. Then there is Gary Oldman, who plays Tiny Tim, Scrooge's co-worker and a loving father of a suffering child. And like Carey, if it wasn't for the animated features placed on top of him, he could have gotten a best supporting actor nod. When Oldman smiles, you can see the pain behind that smile. This is due to his tremendous acting ability and talent.
Dicken's story is a complex one, but one of a kind. The name is Scrooge, and he has seemingly lost touch with his family, friends, and most importantly himself. When Christmas eve comes along, he doesn't feel the spirit. In fact, he opposed Christmas and loathed it whenever people said "Merry Christmas" to him. He goes to the point of not caring for the dying population. But who can blame him? Scrooge is lonely, terrified, and insecure about himself. And to make it worse, he takes it out on everybody else. Everyone also seems to be aware of his personality, from his family, friends, to the Christmas singers on the side-walk. What is behind his attitude you may ask? You find out when Scrooge is told that he will be visited by three spirits. Each are assigned to show him the past, present, and future. What you see in Scrooge's past is telling, truly revealing why Scrooge has ended up the way that he is. The present and future, I will leave that up to you to see. The reason for the spirits' visit? To persuade Scrooge to change his ways and finally see that Christmas is still alive.
"A Christmas Carol" is a jolt of pure magic. It hits you and absorbs you. You get captured by not only its visual goodness, but the personalities and feelings of each character present in the film. It may be a little dark for smaller children, but I think that from a child to an adult, everyone will see this as a worthwhile film. Robert Zemeckis doesn't falter and gives us another classic.
Rating: 31/2 out of 4
