While this adaptation lacks the flamboyance of the Jim Carrey telling, it does do a better job of staying on message. Unlike in other versions we do get to actually see Scrooge in full view. Moreso than just, miser, spirits, redemption. In this particular telling, Scrooge is seen for the living being he is. He simply wasn't spawned from a log a conniving miserable jerk. He was treated as a second class boy by his father and his tutors. Despite this he was able to become a fine young man until the world that he lived in changed him into what he had become. "We are not responsible for this world." Said Scrooge laying his hat upon the writing desk. What he did not know as he said it, he was speaking inverse of the fact. Charles Dickens never intended for this to be a simple ghost story, or even a story of Christmas. And If I have to hear another bearded single-origin-coffee-drinking socialist bobblehead say this is a story of the virtues of communism I may jump of Tower Bridge. Dickens saw the result of the workhouses and knew that the government could not solve poverty, he stated as much. He knew that the freedom and capitalist philosophy and the donation of funds voluntarily in fact could. That is the moral of the story respect your fellow man both in a brotherhood and fiscal sense. Not once did he claim that the government should take your belongings by force. Don't believe me, rewatch act one, remind you of anything? Watch the film from the perspective of the true meaning of the story and you will find that this is what holds fast to that most important of themes.
Now as for the mechanics of the film. Yes, you could argue that the visual style is a bit dated, true, but MGM ain't Disney. To be honest the animation in the film is acceptable to me as it is hand drawn. There were no computer short-cuts taken. Most impressive are the selection of voice actors in this film. Greats the like of Simon Callow, Nicolas Cage, Kate Winslet, Rhys Ifans, Michael Gambon for crying out loud. It shows, these actors and actresses did a fine job and are proud of their work. I know I am going to catch hell for this, but I like the mice, I do. They may be a bit silly but they offer a bit more depth and a welcome comic relief at times. If don't like them, "Don't mind the mice Cratchit, they were here on time."
In short, this is a very well done and misunderstood swan among ducks as modern moviegoers desire flashy computer graphics and a sanitized message which must be approved by a comity of those of proper moral standing. You know, Jim Carrey and his ilk. Do yourself a favor, read the original text and match it to the films.
Now as for the mechanics of the film. Yes, you could argue that the visual style is a bit dated, true, but MGM ain't Disney. To be honest the animation in the film is acceptable to me as it is hand drawn. There were no computer short-cuts taken. Most impressive are the selection of voice actors in this film. Greats the like of Simon Callow, Nicolas Cage, Kate Winslet, Rhys Ifans, Michael Gambon for crying out loud. It shows, these actors and actresses did a fine job and are proud of their work. I know I am going to catch hell for this, but I like the mice, I do. They may be a bit silly but they offer a bit more depth and a welcome comic relief at times. If don't like them, "Don't mind the mice Cratchit, they were here on time."
In short, this is a very well done and misunderstood swan among ducks as modern moviegoers desire flashy computer graphics and a sanitized message which must be approved by a comity of those of proper moral standing. You know, Jim Carrey and his ilk. Do yourself a favor, read the original text and match it to the films.