The 1843 novel “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is one of my all-time favorite tales to be associated with the holiday season, and it’s arguably been adapted into more mediums than any other holiday themed story. Oddly enough, one version I kept my distance from for many years was the one that introduced me to the story in the first place.
For me, and many kids from the 1990’s, we were first introduced to the Dickens tale through the 1992 classic “The Muppet Christmas Carol”. Despite being my introduction to the timeless story, my feelings for “A Christmas Carol” didn’t fully manifest until I saw other film versions. As such, I never really returned to the Muppets picture, and I don’t have the same childhood nostalgia for it the same way most others do. Regardless, way back in my late college years, I found myself needing to scratch that itch to give this film another chance and see if it holds up as a holiday classic. Not only was the film a delightful surprise, but I’ve found myself more drawn to this film in my adult years than when I was a kid. I don’t see it as a nostalgic novelty, but a genuinely wholesome family film. When people say, “they don’t make them like they used to”, this is the kind of movie that comes to mind … because they just don’t make family movies like this today.
Alright, let’s do this plot recap one more time … Mr. Scrooge is the meanest and greediest man in London, who thinks little of his fellow man. Yet, one magical Christmas Eve, he’s warned by the spirit of his late partner … or partners in this version … that his soul is doomed, unless he takes to heart the lessons of three ghostly figures.
The entities reveal themselves one by one as the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. All through the night, they explore Scrooges upbringing, the faults he made, and what can be lost if he doesn’t reform his ways. It’s a very familiar story, but the beauty of these different film versions is the presentation, and how they can stand apart with their own distinct strengths and charms. This version naturally has the distinct presence of iconic Muppets, along with distinctly new puppet characters exclusive to the film, immersive settings, and a wonderful selection of original songs. Beyond that, it’s a respectful retelling of the Dickens Classic, which references the original text, while adding or altering details in the film’s favor.
Of course, the big make or break deal for any “Christmas Carol” adaption is Scrooge himself, and fortunately for this film, it comes in the form of Michael Caine. Despite being surrounded by puppets, he portrays the character with great conviction and is unflinching when talking to his employee … who just happens to be a frog.
It brings to mind Bob Hoskins in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, who never once winked at the camera, and gave a convincing performance, even when surrounded by cartoon characters. Also, since this Scrooge is surrounded by puppets half his size, the camera angles give him a towering presence and size different from any other version. Aside from his intimidating look and appearance, he certainly sells most of the emotional moments. My personal favorite moment in this film follows after Scrooges reformation, when he gives the charity collectors a respectful donation, they in return give him a scarf. Michael Caine’s delivery of the line “A gift … for me?”, is so humble and sincere, it gets me right in the feels.
When it comes to my feelings on “The Muppets” in general, I’ve only ever been a casual fan, viewing and admiring select properties of theirs, but never really forming any real attachment to them as a whole either. With that said, The Great Gonzo has always been my favorite of the Muppet characters, and I loved how he was utilized in this film as the always present Charles Dickens storyteller. Also, paring him with Rizzo the Rat was genius, and gratefully became a reoccurring paring in other Muppet projects. Curiously, most of the famous Muppet characters are given significantly smaller roles. While I couldn’t imagine Kermit the Frog as anyone else but Bob Cratchit, it’s still odd to have the most famous of all the Muppets disappear for lengthy scenes in a theatrical picture. Both Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear feel like extended cameo’s … although, Fozzie Bear as a Fezziwig stand in called Fozziwig is very funny.
The best utilized characters in my view are Statler and Waldorf in the roles of Scrooges deceased partners Jacob and Robert Marley. As much as I love the different versions of “A Christmas Carol”, all the Jacob Marley encounters seem to blend together in my mind … but this one however stands out among the rest. Not only is their song “Marley and Marley” highly catchy, but the personality, tone and presentation breaths fresh air into this sequence, and gets me excited for the familiar story ahead.
I suppose the lesser-known Muppet called Robin the Frog gets to shine as Tiny Tim, and his song “Bless Us All” is a touching highlight. On the subject of the songs, they are all wonderful in this film. The opening “Scrooge” number dose a good job getting me excited, all while showing off the impressive set design and puppets. The closing song “Thankful Heart” admittedly isn’t sung well, but Michael Caine’s jubilant performance again overcomes any shortcomings. My personal favorite song is Kermit’s “One More Sleep Til Christmas”. In general, my favorite part of Christmas is the build-up to it on Christmas Eve. In this cheerful little musical number, Kermit and friends celebrate how the most magical of holidays will be coming with the dawn of a new day. It’s a simple, yet upbeat song that always assures me … that on Christmas Eve … “There’s magic in the air!”.
Early in production, the classic Muppet characters were considered for the roles of the three Christmas spirits, but along the way, it was decided to create original Muppet characters … which I feel was for the better. A fan favorite creation for this film naturally is the Ghost of Christmas Spirit, who’s a bundle of joy, and even has a bad memory, as his mind is always on the here and now … which differs from the book, but it’s a wonderful addition to the character. His big song number “It Feels like Christmas” is another fan favorite highlight, and it’s great to see Scrooges personality gradually change through the number. The Spirit of Christmas Past has a great design, like an ageless child, and is somehow both comforting and off-putting all at once. It doesn’t match the description from the novel, but she’s just so alien and mysterious with her presence, that she might just be my favorite depiction of the Spirit of Christmas past.
Speaking of the past, let’s talk about the famous sentimental musical balled “When Love is Gone”, sung by Scrooges long lost love Belle. It wasn’t part of the theatrical presentation but was once readily available on VHS home video as a special addition. Nowadays it’s an optional extended cut on some DVD’s and has garnered mixed feelings from fans. While I think the song itself is okay, I feel it adds some much-needed dramatic elements to the narrative, as Scrooges trip to the past lacks any real pathos without this number. Also, the added detail of older Scrooge doing a musical duet with his young love is another great moment for Michael Caine to shine. The pop version of the song which plays over the end credits is also worth a listen.
Finally, we have the Spirit of Christmas future, depicted a hooded Grim Reaper type character, which I thought was awesome as a kid, and piqued my interest in seeing what this character might look like in the more adult films. After watching so many versions of “A Christmas Carol”, this Muppet take on the Spirit of the Future feels kind of basic, and I feel it could have been a pinch more creative for a Muppet property.
Regardless, the whole segment of Scrooge’s trip to the future is handled very well and has just the right somber tone without going too far or holding back too much. I haven’t mentioned it yet, but this was the first big Muppet production following after the passing of Muppet creator Jim Henson and performer Richard Hunt … the film was even dedicated to them. As such, Jim Henson’s son Brian Henson directed the film, and absolutely sustained the spirit of these characters. When Scrooge in the film witnesses the passing of Tiny Tim, Kermit gives a speech about how life is full of meetings and partings, which is a clear, but very subtly nod to the memories of both Jim Henson and performer Richard Hunt.
In the end, I wouldn’t call “The Muppet Christmas Carol” the absolute best version of the classic tale … but it certainly belongs among the most favorable and re-watchable. It’s infectiously lovable, gentle in presentation, and it just leaves me smiling from ear to ear every time I watch it. Despite being so dismissive of this film for so many years, I can now see why it’s remained a beloved holiday classic. I may not call myself a Muppets fan per say, but Kermit the Frog and his band of Muppets are still a very special group of characters in their own humble and amusing way. In general, it’s so refreshing to look back on a film that didn’t overutilized CGI and instead created this magical world full of practical effects, wonderful sets, and it just feels timeless in its own right. Despite featuring puppets, this is still a warm and humble adaption of “A Christmas Carol”, and I feel it’s only gotten better with age.
Thanks for
reading my review of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” … and continue to
enjoy the movies you Love!
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