Review

Animation has come a long way since Pixar took the world by storm with Toy Story. Motion capture has been hailed as the next logical step in animation, as the lines between computer created worlds and reality continue to blur. Disney’s A Christmas Carol takes full advantage of the growing technology. In fact Zemeckis may have gone over the top this time.

The movie follows the famous story by Charles Dickens. An old man who hordes money and believes Christmas is a waste of time and cash, is visited by three ghosts. The ghosts of Christmas past, present and future show him his life and how it affects others.

Zemeckis’ take on the film isn’t anything new. The movie simply feels like a glorified retelling of a story we’ve heard countless times, with nothing new to offer. The beauty of the film, however, is in the stunning animation. At times, you could be forgiven for thinking the movie was live action. Unfortunately great animation is not enough.

Jim Carrey shines, as we’ve come to love him in his villain turned Christmas saviour roles. The motion capture animation allows the animators to recreated Carrey’s trademark expressions and dramatic style, lifting the film but not saving it.

Unfortunately, because of the films dark nature I don’t believe this is suitable for kids to watch, and most adults will find themselves easily bored by the dragging plot. Add this movie to the Christmas list for a lonely cold evening when there’s nothing better to do.

4/10

Synopsis

Director Robert Zemeckis (THE POLAR EXPRESS) continues to work his holiday magic with A CHRISTMAS CAROL. This 3-D adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic will use the motion capture technology previously seen in the filmmaker's BEOWULF.

Release Date

Nov 6, 2009

Cast

Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes, Fionnula Flanagan

Age Restriction

10M (SA) / PG (USA)

Director

Robert Zemeckis

Producers

Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis, Jack Rapke

Trailer

Tags: Bob Hoskins, Cary Elwes, Colin Firth, Fionnula Flanagan, Gary Oldman, Jack Rapke, Jim Carrey, Robert Zemeckis, Robin Wright Penn, Steve Starkey