A Christmas Carol: New Take on Old Classic

Aside from It's a Wonderful Life, I don't know of any story more classic than Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. Told and retold for generations, there are over 50 film versions of this tale, from period to modern settings, featuring human, puppet and animated actors. In honor of the new film version being released this season, I thought I'd reflect on some of my favorite telling of Dickens's classic tale.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Directed by Brian Henson

Of all the Ebeneezer Scrooge's in the world, Michael Caine's version takes the cake. Mean and cruel (to Kermit!), he had me intimidated as a kid. But somehow, it was captivating to watch. Of course, spotting all your favorite Muppets was also pretty exciting. Jim Henson's Creature Shop plus any story is usually a winner.

A Christmas Carol (TV) (1999)

Directed by David Hugh Jones

Even though it was made for TV, Patrick Stewart's version of A Christmas Carol is not to be missed. Truly one of the most classically trained actors alive, he handles this iconic role with ease. As one of the first live-action movie versions I ever saw, this interpretation made a lasting impression on me.

Christmas Carol: The Movie (2001)
Directed by Jimmy T. Murakami

Featuring the talented voices of Kate Winslet, Nicolas Cage, and Michael Gambon (just to name a few), this is an animated version of Dickens's classic that captures the true message behind the story. It's so engaging that you forget it's animated after a while!

Scrooged (1988)

Directed by Richard Donner

Modernized and renamed, Bill Murray's "Ebeneezer" is named Frank Cross, a TV executive without a heart. If you're tired of the same versions told over and over, this is the perfect new spin on an old tale. All the lessons are learned, the characters grow, and Carol Kane is hysterical as the Ghost of Christmas Present. I love this version for its creativity.

Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983)

Directed by Bernie Mattinson

If you grew up in the 80s, this was probably your first encounter with Bob Crachit and family. Disney's masterful retelling includes all your favorite characters but still manages to communicate the true spirit of Christmas to its viewers.

Disney's newest version, A Christmas Carolin 3D IMAX, is due to hit theaters November 6, 2009 in time for the holidays. Directed by Robert Zemekis, this animated re-telling features Jim Carrey as Ebeneezer Scrooge (and all three ghosts!) and Gary Oldman as Bob Crachit. Also among the cast of stars are Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes, Michael J. Fox, Colin Firth, and Bob Hoskins. This will be the first time that A Christmas Carol has been told in 3D, so look for it to be a hit with young and old.