the muppet Christmas Carol – Smaller Pictures

Christmas Movie Countdown

Christmas week is finally upon us and yet it’s an understatement to say that it won’t be a Christmas like any other. With harsher restrictions being brought forward, a lot of people aren’t able to see family and friends on Christmas which is heartbreaking for so many. It is times like these when films can bring a little joy and escapism even if it is for a couple of hours, which is why I provided this list of films for you to watch during Christmas week. I have always found that film has helped in the darkest of times and Christmas films in particular are full of innocent joy and good nature that it’s hard to resist when everything seems so negative. I thought it would be a good idea to give some of my personal recommendations if you are looking for a Christmas film to get you into the spirit.

There are the classic Christmas films that are rewatched year after year with none beating the impact that comes from Frank Capra’ It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). The most iconic Christmas film there is, It’s a Wonderful Life is a masterpiece that rings even truer to home this year as George Bailey (James Stewart) looks back at how he has positively affected the lives of those in his small town. Other Christmas classics include The Snowman (1982) and The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), both of which are commonly rewatched by audiences of all ages. Sometimes watching a familiar film that bring back memories of happier times when you could watch them with family.

There are also plenty of modern Christmas classics with my personal favourite being Todd Haynes’ flawless Carol (2015). Starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara as two star-crossed lovers, Carol is a love story for the ages. Another modern Christmas hit would have to be Nancy Meyers’ The Holiday (2006). These films are complete opposites in every way and have managed to develop strong fanbases who feel passionate about their place at the Christmas classic table.

Lastly, there are the more unconventional Christmas films which consists of films that are set at Christmastime but are unconcerned with that connection such as Eyes Wide Shut (1999) and Die Hard (1988) as well as films that don’t have any Christmassy context and yet remain popular year after year such as The Wizard of Oz (1939). I have previously written on unconventional Christmas films and what makes them so popular and appealing for those who may roll their eyes at the more traditional offerings (you can read that here).

There are Christmas films for every taste whether you like a comedy classic or a thrilling adventure. Many filmmakers have turned to Christmas because they know the lasting power that a Christmas film can have through the ages.

So whatever you choose, get yourself some mince pies, a glass of mulled wine and put your feet up with a good film. But most importantly be safe, have a Merry Christmas and here’s hoping 2021 will be a much better year for us all!

Let me know what you’re planning to watch this Christmas week in the comments below!

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Carrying on with the Christmas film viewings and I have watched another that makes my annual list. The Muppet Christmas Carol tends to be a film that splits the audience. Some people absolutely love it and others class it as one of the worst films they have ever seen. Considering I own a giant cinema poster for the film that was from its release, it’s safe to say that I am definitely in the former and nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit more than singing along to the songs from the film. But more on that later! The Muppet Christmas Carol is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol which follows the miserable bookkeeper, Ebenezer Scrooge, a man hellbent on misery especially during the Christmas season. On Christmas Eve night, he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Bob Marley who is bound in chains as punishment for how he treated people and subsequent Ghosts of his Past, Present and Future, who show him the kind of person he was, is and will be. By doing this, they allow Scrooge to evaluate his behaviour and turn it around before he is doomed to the same fate as Marley.

The Muppet Christmas Carol features all of your favourite Muppet characters with Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Gonzo as Dickens and Miss Piggy as Mrs Cratchit. Topping off the bill is Michael Caine as Scrooge and it works so well. Caine’s approach to filming was to treat his Muppet costars as if they were dramatic human actors and the result is a performance that feels completely sincere and moral, getting in touch with the message of the original story. Not only is this a fantastic adaptation of the Dickens material but it is done in a way that is fun and accessible for audiences of all ages.

Caine’s performance as Scrooge is actually among my favourites of his career. This may seem a bit odd considering the wide variety of “serious” films Caine has starred in over the decades but as stated before, his approach and the result is worthy to be up there. We really feel Scrooge’s emotional journey as he starts off as someone incapable of empathy and ends as someone who embraces their community. The turning point for his performance comes during his time with the Ghost of Christmas Present. This also happens to be my favourite segment in the film as it features the best song, “It Feels Like Christmas”, and is where the film begins to shift in tone from dark and gritty to uplifting and festive. Scrooge begins to truly see the ripple effect of his actions as we looks on at his nephew’s household as well as the Cratchit family where he becomes drawn by the youngest member, the sickly Tiny Tim.

Another highlight in this film is definitely the music and songs. I have already touched on this with “It Feels Like Christmas” but the opening number “Scrooge” really sets up the film fantastically as well. We follow behind Scrooge as he makes his way to work as everyday people sing about his miserable and selfish nature. Even before we see his face, we get a clear and well-rounded image of his character while watching lots of cute Muppets in adorable costumes harmonising in their signature way. The score composed by Miles Goodman is clearly inspired by Christmas Carol tunes, Victorian sounds and the uplifting Muppet music. The result is something that sounds timeless and fits well within the Muppet discography while maintaining a distinct and unique score. The same can be said about the songs written by Paul Williams. Using the text by Dickens for much of the lyrical inspiration, he really captures Dickens’ London while maintaining that Muppet feel.

There is no doubt that Jim Henson was a genius and this film marks the end of an era. Made in his memory, it is the perfect swansong to an illustrious career that was defined by bringing happiness and imagination to audiences of all ages. The Muppet Christmas Carol remains one of the best Muppet outputs of all time as well as a memorable and beautiful project of passion.

What do you think of The Muppet Christmas Carol? Let me know in the comments below!

The Muppet Christmas Carol is streaming on Disney+ so be sure to catch it as soon as you can.