Robert Zemeckis is out to prove that anything that the Muppets can do, he can do better. Hence, the "Forrest Gump" director took on the challenge of directing one of the most revered – and adapted – stories of all time, "A Christmas Carol". Zemeckis‘ vision is a painstakingly detailed CGI–animated affair that tells Charles Dickens‘ well–known story of the curmudgeonly old man, Ebenezer Scrooge.
Set in Victorian–era London, Scrooge (voiced superbly by Jim Carrey) is a miserly man in the twilight of his life with as much Christmas spirit as a lump of coal. He is rude, cold and dismissive of even those who dare to penetrate his icy personality, in particular, his nephew, Fred (Colin Firth). However, Scrooge‘s world is soon turned upside down when he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley who warns him of the impending visits he will receive from three ghosts (also voiced by Carrey).
The first, the Ghost of Christmas Past, takes Scrooge on a journey through his Christmases as a child, adolescent and adult, showing Scrooge his descent into what he has become. The Ghost of Christmas Present helps to confirm this by showing him scenes from the home of his clerk, Bob Cratchett (Gary Oldman), and Fred. The Ghost of Christmas Future‘s bleak and haunting vision of Scrooge‘s future is presented as his final chance to amend his ways before the vision becomes a reality.
Telling such a familiar tale in a new and entertaining way is a challenge that can only be met by one of the finest directors around and Robert Zemeckis has cemented his place in that lexicon with this stunning visual delight. Each crease and crevice of Scrooge‘s face is so perfectly created, every cobble in the street so carefully lighted that it is often a mystery whether the audience is watching a live action or animated film. This is not just a technical marvel, however; Zemeckis has eked out a terrific vocal performance from Carrey and co, while by staying closer to Dickens‘ novel, the film takes on a more complex and darker tone, which works well. This is a gift at the perfect time of the year.
