On CLIPS In December, 2009
Disney's A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) takes a haunted journey in Disney's latest animated version of the Dickens classic.

TRIVIA: Scrooge McDuck played Ebenezer in what 1983 Disney animated featurette?

Victorian-era miser Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) gets a miraculous change of heart after being taken on a journey through his life by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Based on Charles Dickens classic holiday tale, "A Christmas Carol" is a visually stunning 3-D animated spectacular from Disney and director Robert Zemeckis. Using the performance-capture technique, much like he did in "The Polar Express", Zemeckis showcases the many faces and gestures of Jim Carrey. The star gleefully mugs his way through Scrooge at all ages and as the three ghosts. Gary Oldman takes on more than one role as Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and the apparition of Scrooge's dead partner Marley. Colin Firth, Cary Elwes, Bob Hoskins and Robin Wright Penn also lend their voices and likenesses to this colorful production. The biggest problem with the movie is also its best asset: the all-too-realistic 3-D. Several scary sequences are too frightening for young children, making it less suitable as a holiday family outing. The involving dimension will keep older audiences glued to their seats. You can feel the falling snowflakes as they land on your face. This may not be the greatest screen version, but Disney's "A Christmas Carol" is still a spirited adventure.