A Christmas Carol in 3D: A Review

Jim Carrey plays Ebenezer amazingly well in the new Disney A Christmas Carol, based on the classic Christmas story based on the Dickens' novel. It was pleasant to see Carrey take a serious role and do just that - be serious. The slapstick side of Carrey rarely appears throughout the flick, until arguably at the very end of the movie when Ebenezer has conquered death and landed a chance to change his attitude and actions toward life. Then the familiar silly Carrey peeps through as Scrooge dances about singing and gleefully scrolling along appreciating his life and Christmas. The 3D experience offers a wild ride of special effects while toying with depth, height, speed of movements, and colors throughout.

Some bits of the movie dipped into near depressing mode, notably when Scrooge goes home alone on Christmas Eve and then becomes even a bit frightening as Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his co worker and warned to make changes or else end up as he. The story ends on the highest note as we see Ebenezer transform from an old stingy grouch to a spirit filled and jolly old fellow. After Scrooge is visited by 3 ghosts, each apparition taking Ebenezer on a trip of his life that gives him a chance to be on the outside looking in, he transforms his attitude while nearly facing death first.

The best parts of the movie are those that move slow. The opening sequence with Scrooge accepting the death of his co-worker shows us Carrey's ability to play a sober character and his performance as the killjoy Scrooge are quite convincing. Moments with the family enjoying the holiday feast, scenes in Scrooge's shop, and actions about the snow filled streets are colorful and charming. Other scenes get quite loud, albeit rightly so, and movement is varied constantly from slow to faster to even faster to zooming about frantically across mid 1800's London town and/or sky. Be prepared to get a bit dizzy.

The movie does a good job keeping to the original story while offering an exciting array of 3D technological adaptation. Scrooge's brave look into his past, present, and future offers a message to all of the importance of living life fully and generously. May not be an enjoyable for younger eyes due to some of the scarier sequences with the ghosts, loud noises, and a more mature message.