The Muppets’ adaptation of the classic Christmas tale is bound to make you smile, laugh and humorously exhale through your nose. This heart-felt film follows the traditional story-line of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol narrated by and starring the infamous Muppet cast in their ever-whimsical nature.
The Great Gonzo portrays Charles Dickens narrating the story with his trusted assistant, Rizzo the Rat. This comedic duo bring light and humour to the Victorian novel as they follow Scrooge through his life and watch him fail society. Ebenezer Scrooge, masterfully portrayed by Michael Caine, is a Victorian businessman who only cares for himself and his finances during a time of great poverty in London. His selfish actions make him an enemy to many and feared by all. Mr Scrooge must be visited by three Christmas ghosts from the past, present and future to show him the error of his ways and allow him to appreciate the attraction and magic of the Christmas season.
The beauty of this adaptation is not only the joyful nature of the characters and their pre-established dynamics, but the incredible soundtrack which accompanies it. There is no surprise it was nominated for a Grammy for Best Musical Album for Children following its release in 1992. Each song is an accompanied by a choreographed routine starring The Muppets and their human associates as they light up the screen and captivate their audience. Their award may have been in a Children’s category but I can assure you this is a timeless film which can be appreciated by all. Only a real Scrooge cannot appreciate the joy and humour in such a passionate piece of cinema.
If the thought of A Christmas Carol gives you haunting flashbacks of GCSE English Literature, allow me to put your mind at ease. While this film adaptation does have the most original text of any other, it also includes a bright green frog in one of the leading roles, not to mention his wife is played by Miss Piggy. If that doesn’t assure you that this version is far from tradition perhaps the multitude of puppets and signing animals will?
Despite their comedic background, the chemistry between Kermit and Miss Piggy is undeniable, their felt faces express such raw emotion, enough to shed a tear or two when watching their care for their feeble son, Tiny Tim. While some people may be able to watch this and not find themselves choked up, I am not one of them. The familial dynamics and relationships throughout bring Dickens’ characters to life on the screen in all their flaws and triumphs.
If you’re looking to avoid the cheesy, cringe holiday romance cliches this year, allow me to be the first to recommend you this cinematic masterpiece of festive joy, music, tradition and, most importantly, Muppets.
5/5
Image Credit: TMDB
