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This animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic retains the essence of the timeless tale while introducing some fresh interpretations. A celebrity cast provides voices for the roles of Scrooge (Simon Callow), Marley (Nicolas Cage), and Belle (Kate Winslet), yet the beauty of the film flows from its artistic usage of CG technology, such as the “painted” scenery of Scrooge’s thoughts during his journey through Christmases Past, Present, and Future. The script honors the original story while proving that it is indeed possible to be moved to tears by a group of animated characters. Dickens purists may argue that few movie versions of A Christmas Carol can compete with Alastair Sim’s 1951 rendition, or George C. Scott’s 1984 remake, yet this film does not need to supplant, but rather complement, such predecessors. It is an especially good choice for young viewers who may find the black-and-white version too scary. (Ages 5 and older) –Lynn Gibson
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In the same year that he directed a handsome version of The Scarlet Pimpernel for television, Clive Donner also made this worthy 1984 small-screen production of the Dickens tale. George C. Scott can’t quite muster a decent English accent, but he does bring some new colors to this movie’s interpretation of Scrooge, making the character less nasty for the sake of nastiness and more a product of a life of lovelessness. The supporting cast is first-rate, and the production is far more handsome than most TV fare. –Tom Keogh

Christmas elicits nothing more than “Bah, humbug!” from Ebenezer Scrooge (Scott), a miser whose sole pursuit of financial success has left him a bitter and lonely old man. But a Christmas Eve visit from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future ultimately teaches him to open his heart to the spirit of Christmas and to the joys of friends and family.

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