There are SO many great adaptations of this story and picking just one was really hard. I almost went with Scrooged, but that film is darker and clearly more aimed at the jaded adult sect. For that reason, I settled on the most recent version of the classic story, with Jim Carey and some killer CG to help seal the deal.
Also, Robert Zemeckis directed it, and if you grew up in the 80’s and 90’s like me, that is a strong selling point.
But make no mistakes, just because it is CG doesn’t mean there aren’t some genuinely creepy moments. I know that sounds funny coming from me (a guy who writes disturbing lists for a living) but make no mistakes about it, A Christmas Carol is a morality story wrapped up in a ghost story, and this version reminds you of that on a couple occasions.
That, and the classic story, are the main reason this Christmas movies is well suited for both adults and children. It’s also clear that Jim Carey is having a great deal of fun here in his multiple roles (he plays all the Scrooges through time, and all the spirits).
Though Mickey’s Christmas Carol is my favorite TV version, this just might be the best film version to date. The Muppets Christmas Carol ALMOST beat this one, too, but Carey wins for his multiple roles.
See, I like Muppets AND Mickey Mouse. I am not nearly as jaded and cynical as most of you think I am.
