However, as much as this movie is about the Muppets, it is Michael Caine’s performance as Ebenezer Scrooge that transforms it from novelty item into a bonafide Christmas classic.
Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption, “A Christmas Carol,” has been told and retold countless times as a movie. Dating back nearly to the beginning of the medium itself, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge has been adapted and reinvented in almost every way possible. With actors as varied as George C. Scott, Bill Murray, and Mr. Magoo playing the main character over the years, one can imagine the variety in the productions. While some are truer to the original story than others, it’s a genuine surprise that the one of the most faithful adaptations I’ve seen features Muppets in most of the supporting roles.
For those not familiar with the original story, I can only say that I pity your childhood if you haven’t been exposed to at least one version of “A Christmas Carol.” So as not to be heartless, I offer the briefest of summaries. A greedy man named Ebenezer Scrooge, who is well-known for his lack of Christmas spirit, is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. A ghost from the past, present, and future show him the consequences of his actions and how they affect those around him.
For The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Great Gonzo (Dave Goelz) takes on the role of Charles Dickens and acts as a liaison between the audience and the original story. Featuring songs written by Paul Williams, the production becomes a lively musical. While I have never been much of a fan of musicals, Williams’ witty music and lyrics fit right in with director Brian Henson and screenwriter Jerry Juhl’s delightfully off-kilter approach to adapting the original’s somewhat gloomy story.
Fans of the Muppets — both young and old — will enjoy the various roles they’re cast into. Kermit the Frog is Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s head clerk. Miss Piggy understandably plays Mrs. Cratchit. Fozzie Bear appears as Fozziweg, Scrooge’s first employer. Dr. Bunson Honeydew, Beaker, Robin the Frog, and Statler and Waldorf, among others, also make appearances. Each performance combines elements of each Muppet’s core antics with those of the Dickens’ characters they’re portraying. Kudos to the multi-talented Muppeteers for nailing these multi-faceted characterizations.
However, as much as this movie is about the Muppets, it is Michael Caine’s performance as Ebenezer Scrooge that transforms it from novelty item into a bonafide Christmas classic. Playing the role as if he was surrounded by Shakespearean-trained thespians, Caine never plays for laughs or even hints at doing so. By staying true to the character, Caine brings a gravitas to the proceedings that provides an extra emotional zing at the story’s conclusion. He’s damn near perfect.
While it may have been overlooked in theaters back in 1992, The Muppet Christmas Carol definitely deserves a place in every family’s annual rotation of Christmas movies.
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
