My wife and I saw A Christmas Carol today. I went in thinking "yeah, it's in 3-D, but how many times do we have to remake this story." Besides, in my opinion, the Muppet version is the best, most accessible, most interesting version (but don't judge me).
But, as it unfolded, I thought this film wins 2009 PROFFY Awards (my own movie award) for best animation, best advancement in animation/computer graphics, best adaptation of a classic, and the best picture. I thought this film was not only exceptional in its meticulous animation, but it wasn't overdone. Neither was the use of 3D.
It followed Dicken's story very well. And being a Disney production, I was wondering how much Jesus they would leave in the script. Actually, they left it all in. My favorite line occurs when the Ghost of Christmas Present leads Scrooge to Bob Cratchet's home, just after Bob returned with his crippled son Tiny Tim from church. Cratchet's wife asked how Tim behaved,
"As good as gold," Bob replied, "and better...He told me, coming home, that he hoped people saw him at church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember on Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk and blind men see."
The only reservation I have is, even though it carries only a PG rating, I don't think I would take anyone younger than middle school age to see it. It has some pretty intense scenes for young children. Best to get a sitter and see it yourself first. Then you get to enjoy it twice. The only other caution is, if you tend to get motion sick, you may want to take something before hand. This film immediatly goes on my list of 200 favorite films.
Of course, you could read the story to your kids. Some other great Christmas stories to read include:
The Gift of the Magi, by O Henry
The Best Christmas Pagent Ever, by Barbara Robinson
How The Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss
And don't forget the Bible Reading plan in your program, or on the Family page: http://www.bcflife.org/family.asp
Yours for a Christ-filled Chrismas,
Ken Erickson -Tech Director and Film Critic
After viewing a film or reading one of these stories, discuss it as a family. You might write out questions to ask during the movie or story.
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