This beautiful version of Dickens’ classic story captures
its essence entirely. Never you mind that there are singing vegetables,
Fezziwig (now Fozziwig) as a rubber chicken manufacturer or ice-skating
penguins, that’s what makes it great. The great Michael Caine plays Ebenezer
Scrooge with many a snarl and a dead eye. Kermie and Piggy are Bob Cratchit and
his wife Emily, Robin the frog is Tiny Tim and the Great Gonzo is Charles
Dickens himself. This is one of the masterstrokes of the film. A great deal of
Dickens’ original language is used throughout the film and the delicate hand
behind this keeps the integrity of the story intact whilst using the familiar
Muppet madness to make its point. People forget that Dickens would employ much humour
and absurdity to tell his stories – it is entirely fitting here. I tear up every
time Scrooge heads to the Cratchits house with the Ghost of Christmas Yet To
Come – the scene is deeply touching.
This was the first Muppet film made after the death of Jim
Henson, with Kermit the Frog (and Henson’s regular other roles) being voiced by
Steve Whitmire. When it was released, the film was up against Home Alone 2 and
Aladdin, so it had some very tough competition. It was financially successful,
and largely speaking, critically successful as well. It has gone on to become a
staple of Christmas viewing for many – and so it should for you.
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