The 2009 film adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 story, was written and directed by Robert Zemeckis. Starring Jim Carrey in a multitude of roles, including Ebenezer Scrooge, the 3D film was produced through performance capture.
A review on the CNN IBN site suggested that it might be ‘too dark’ for the younger viewers. While Carrey’s performance is exemplary, the reviewer stated, “Disney’s A Christmas Carol is as thrilling as anything you’ve seen – just look at the glorious opening credit sequence in which the camera soars above the rooftops of Victorian London. Nevertheless, the visual excellence aside, it is hard to engage yourself in Scrooge’s journey to self-discovery.
Meanwhile the Tomato meter at Rotten Tomatoes gave it a mere 56% with the consensus on the movie being, “Robert Zemeckis’ 3-D animated take on the Dickens classic tries hard, but its dazzling special effects distract from an array of fine performances from Jim Carrey and Gary Oldman.”
In a review by James Berardinelli, he says Zemeckis takes an age-old tale and converts it into something that looks like it belongs on a PS3. He goes on to say that, “There is little doubt that the visual razzle-dazzle usurps the emotional element – you can feel immersed in the world, but remain distanced from the characters.”
The Washington Times review on the other hand poses an interesting question: does the 3D effect add anything to the 166-year old tale or is it simply a showy display of technological virtuosity for its own sake?
Overall, the reviews have been disappointing with the consensus the visual effects are excessive in retelling Dickens’ story of Ebenezer Scrooge.