A Muppet Christmas Carol is of course elevated, as all things are, by the presence of The Mighty Michael Caine, who wisely plays the role of Ebeneezer Scrooge perfectly straight amongst all the Muppetry and shenanigans that goes on around him. But it works on more levels than just an inspired bit of casting. Within seconds you completely buy into the world and tone created by Brian Henson, who doesn’t miss a step picking up where his father Jim left off. Naturally, the Muppet characters are wonderful, but the film mainly benefits from a lean, very funny, and moving script that perfectly incorporates the famous Muppet personalities we’ve come to love into a classic story we love just as much.Christmas Day at my parent's house always included the watching of this movie after lunch and all the presents were opened. I know all the songs and the gags in the movie but it's still funny.
The movie completely won me over during an early scene when Scrooge threatens his Muppet office workers if they dare to be cold. Instantly they put on a Hawaiian luau setting the irreverent and witty tone that will carry the remaining 85 minutes.
This is also a perfect holiday film for small kids. Above-average songs, a faithfulness to the source material, a lot of heart, and an important lesson about the difference between Democrats and Republicans.
When we first meet Scrooge he’s a cold-hearted liberal. Like Barack Obama and Joe Biden he doesn’t give to private charity. He chooses instead to condemn the fate of the poor to a cold, dispassionate government — work houses, poor houses…
After his three ghostly visits, Scrooge sees the light and evolves into a compassionate conservative — someone who realizes the government only perpetuates poverty and that true humanity doesn’t mean requesting moregovernment but in using private local charities and market solutions to break the cycle of poverty. Scrooge doesn’t demand ObamaCare for Tiny Tim, he saves the small boy’s life by sending him to the best privateclinics…
So if you want to keep things interesting this Christmas, be sure to make that point right around dinner time.
It might be a little too tough to watch it this year, but it will continue to be one of our favorite Christmas films of all time.
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2 comments:
Best wishes this Christmas. The first one is the most difficult. I know you miss him. Hang in there, and know that your Dad is dancing at home right now and he doesn't have to contend with all this stuff that we are contending with right now.
Your dad is also breathing without the assistance of extra oxygen.
It is so wonderful to have that blessed HOPE!
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