'A Christmas Carol'

It was Christmas Eve and all was quiet in the house, not even a mouse (well, except for Public Image Ltd live blaring out of the stereo most of the afternoon) so what better way to celebrate the day than go to see the latest Disney Christmas offering, 'A Christmas Carol'.

Now, as I'm sure you all know, 'A Christmas Carol' is set on Christmas Eve when the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future visit Ebenezer Scrooge, a nasty old skinflint of a businessman counting his pennies in the City of London, and transform him into a kindly old fellow who sees the error of his ways. Some links there with what's been happening this year on the financial meltdown front, I think. Anyway, you know the story and this film is pretty loyal to the original story although it does make a few tweaks and additions to make the film work, particularly the 3D bits (I saw it in 2D but it was obvious that some sequences were there for the 3D effects).

The cinema was lovely and warm, only about 1/3 full and only one child in evidence since this was the evening viewing and it was a lovely way to spend Christmas Eve with a big portion of popcorn and coke. The film is really good, top notch animation (as you'd expect from Disney) with the characters taking on the physical aspects of the actors who voiced them and kept up a good pace throughout. The only bit I wasn't keen on was the chase sequence as Scrooge shrinks, clearly there for the 3D effect. I was immediately struck by two things about Mr Scrooge: firstly, how he looked like Albert Steptoe (and I couldn't shake that link throughout the film); and secondly, how I'd never know it was Jim Carey providing the voice if his name wasn't above the title, he was very good.

It was also nice walking through the near-empty streets on the way home afterwards, few people abroad and little traffic, even in my little corner of London Town. The snow and ice had vanished but it was cold and Christmassy, and was nice to get back through the front door to be hit by warmth and see the glistening Christmas Tree... yes, a lovely way to spend Christmas Eve.

I love the Dickens story so it would have to be a pretty awful film for me not to like it, and like it I did. I look forward to adding the DVD to my Christmas DVD collection when it's issued. The film is well done, well crafted and paced, well voiced, and strikes a nice balance between being true to the tale and being a modern film. There's no syrupy sweetness at all and it's not necessary a film for children. If it's showing near you and you have a couple of hours to spare and you're still feeling Christmassy, then go and see it.