Movie #1
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Directed by: Brian Henson
Starring: Michael Caine
Rated: G
Charles Dickens' masterpiece “A Christmas Carol” has had many adaptations over the years, and major actors and actresses have played it’s famous characters. But to me, the story is synonymous with Jim Henson’s Muppet cast thanks to Brian Henson’s movie The Muppet Christmas Carol. While nostalgia certainly plays a part in this (my family watched this movie in theaters on it’s release back in 1992, and has watched it every year since), I still feel that, objectively, this film stands apart from others. To begin, Michael Caine is the best Scrooge ever on-screen, simply because his transformation is so understandable; he is stoic and cold at the beginning, then pained by his past, cheered by his present, frightened by his future, and is grateful at the end. And to give that great of a performance opposite stuffed puppets is truly remarkable. Plus, the Muppets just seem to capture the enjoyment of the season and the music truly uplifts the soul. Some previous adaptations are so dark, you can understand Scrooge’s coldness. With the Muppets, you are pulled in to this season of frivolity and holiday cheer. And, although missing the connection with Christ (like Dickens' novel also did), it encourages us to see the camaraderie of the Christmas season and recommending that “every night will end and every day will start with a grateful prayer and a thankful heart.”
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