I once wrote about why you ought to leave Polar Express alone. While, I'm getting a little awkward about that, I want to talk about another movie. Heck! Let's look at some of the...weirder and fringe movies of the Christmas cannon. After all, pushing out to other movies to expand what you watch around that time is a lovely thing, in my opinion. Let's make it a thing, shall we? OK! All December, we'll be looking for unusual Christmas movies, trying to expand the collection of films we watch every year. Raiders of the Lost Films A Christmas Carol (The Disney, Jim Carrey One) This movie is weird. Not strictly bad, but unassailably weird. Even bonkers and tone deaf. While visually pretty good in many places, it's presentation of them is both baffling and sadly too easy to figure out the reasoning. There's little ideas that make this both a far more faithful adaptation than anything attempted before, and the germs of interesting ideas are in here. Though, it's still far from anything I'd call perfect or able to justify it's own existence. And, for goodness sake, one of the best and beloved adaptations has a felt frog and the family he sired with a pig sing about love and harmony to all. And all this was done after a rat fell on a goose and danced on it to avoid singeing his feet. If that can be accepted as a classic, what the hell is this thing doing wrong and why do I say to stay clear? Well... The Adaptation Doesn't Fully Make Sense Long time readers of this article series have likely begun to wonder why I make reviews and such in a Community Post rather than just doing it on my blog. Well, two reasons: one, because it fills out a Community Post. I like to think I do these decently and it makes for a nice talking point down below regarding how much you lot agree with me. Some of you reading might enjoy this movie and I'd love to know why! The second reason is because The Community Post is a service when my review blog is for fun. My review blog is for stuff I want to talk about while I try and do stuff that might be of some use to you here. And, in the fluffy, indistinct rules of The Community Post, helping you choose movies to watch around Christmas seems like a decent idea. And so, we're here to tell you that almost any version of A Christmas Carol has a way, waaay better grasp on this material than this weird Disney version does. That includes versions that contain lobsters, scottish ducks or Bill Murray. Someday, there will a movie with all three... It's not the motion capture. It's not Jim Carrey in the lead as Scrooge. It's not necessarily being that the material is very, very old. It's that they don't do much with it except spurt it out verbatim. There's really nothing grand or interesting in the interpretation other than to make it a little goofy in places. Our opening shot is of Jacob Marley's grim corpse. Honestly, a rather chilling, uncomfortable image and a scene that, honestly, is the only new thing they're going for. The entire ordeal is interpreted as a sort of horrible nightmare that spirals down from sweet memories of the past souring, to the miserable present where Scrooge is considered crotchety and mad, to the future Scrooge has to look forward to where he's either buried away with joy or picked clean now that he can't defend is horded wealth. Now, the nightmare idea does seem interesting, suggesting, rather heavily, that it's mostly in Scrooge's head. In fact, a more sombre and measured screenplay or director would have made this thing blur those lines pretty heavily. It's there but it's brushed aside for the next part of the story incredibly quickly. It does feel like it's using the excuse of "It's culture, we can do anything we like", to put up some very bizarre imagery on screen, hoping to shock or spook kids in a desperate attempt to grab their attention. I will give props to The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come. In this, they make him a literal shadow of Scrooge. In that, he morphs from Scrooge's shadow, forming into a cloaked skeleton of some kind. That is pretty spooky, as it makes his silence implicit, the actions of the character slowly creeping across the environments. He's subtle and understated. A stark contrast of almost everything in the movie. Boogitty, boogitty, boogitty! I'm all scaaary and stuff! Woooo! The Ghost of Christmas Present just swirls around a torch, making the room with a see-through floor fly around London, allowing Scrooge to see down on others and peek into the world of the now. And so, he overhears all that consider him a miserable arse. The thing is that there's so many weird bits in this sequence in particular. For instance, in this version, The Ghost of Christmas Present dies on the strike of Twelve. Literally! He clutches at his chest as the ringing of the bells for midnight seems to give him a heart attack. He flops backwards, decaying to a grey husk of himself that continues to laugh with the force of a typhoon, soon melting away to nothing but a skeleton. And he's still laughing. The eye's still in place and the sockets morphed to look like mirth on the dead face till the whole thing turns to dust and blows away. That's *squee!*ing terrifying! It's fitting of how they're presenting the haunting, that of a full on nightmare, but blimey! It seems equally trying to scare the hell out of Scrooge as much as it's trying to creep out kids that the filmmakers likely believe that CoD has desensitised them too. It's mawkish, marking it as just needlessly horrible for a character we spent five minutes with. If we'd gotten to know him more, maybe this would work better but, we don't spend long enough to get his character. So, it just comes out of nowhere! "I haven't been out creepyed by the other guy, have I?" Though, this adherence to everything in the book can go too far. I kid you not, there is a scene where Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Present have an argument over whether it's right to close businesses on Sundays so that people can go to church. Seriously?! Who in 2009 could possibly care? It comes out of nowhere and it's not a thing everyone knows from the time, either. It's left out of every single other version because it's just not all that useful to discuss. My guess is that it's there to signify Scrooge trying to resist the message being beaten into him by bringing up the point in his defence but, no audience member without a history degree or Wikipedia on hand could possibly fathom the point. Dickens put it in because it was controversial at the time. He was a big social commentator in an age when philanthropy was spreading throughout the wealthy. This is a morality tale about jumping on that particular bandwagon and the penalties of not doing so. I'm not sure where the chase by demon horse and cart came into it...Speaking of... 3D EVERYWHERE! 2009 was right in that time when 3D in cinemas was the big thing to keep the public interested. It was shoved into every movie, regardless of whether it made it better or not. This is a prime example of how desperate it got to justify having the effect implemented. The cinematography rarely ever stops swooping around or moving. In fact, the movie seems to think it's boring the audience at every point because it contrived more and more reasons to throw Scrooge around all over the place, just so that he can run around for more action scenes. Rather than surreal effects or unusual visuals that the 3D effect could add to a slower scene to make it more otherworldly or even just more odd to hammer home the movies idea that this is Scrooge's nightmare we're watching, we're treated to an old man screaming as he's thrown around on a rollercoaster for no reason like we're at Disneyland. He doesn't look like he's holding on for dear life, he looks like he's about to take a bite out of the top of what he's holding on to. The biggest victim of the pandering is the pacing and tone, which are mashed and spat upon just to make sure no-one is bored by the dialogue that is largely lifted from the original text, language and all. Moments that should have a moment to breathe, letting the dust of their impact settle so the audience can garner some investment in the characters, are immediately assaulted by something catapulting Scrooge into another action scene so that we can keep the audience's attention. Even though the explanation of why this Scrooge spent his Christmas' at school for so long was given maybe two lines before we flew off to the next place so that Mr and Mrs Fezziwig could dance around like Loonie Tunes. That's a core part of the character isn't it? His sister died giving birth to his nephew. Doesn't that get more than just a hat tip and a sad face? How about the visions of the future or the present? Scrooge seems to just become smitten with Tiny Tim within a nanosecond. Even though the movie doesn't give Tiny Tim a character. He's there, he says the line and he's shoved aside. Bob Cratchit talking about Tim prattling on about people seeing him because it'll remind them of Jesus is enough without any visible acknowledgement. And yet, Scrooge is still distraught that Tim will die young. The hell?! A Christmas Carol is a thoughtful character piece. It's the story of one man's life and what might happen if he doesn't attempt to change his ways. Why the hell is it trying to be Avatar crossed with Honey I Shrunk the Kids? Bob Hoskin's is in this too. For .2 of a femtosecond before Scrooge is thrown down another level from the video game. The Pacing and Tone are Bonkers This movie moves so fast, it didn't feel like an hour. It felt like everything happened in 10 minutes, robbing every single emotional moment of any energy or impact it might have had. It's almost comical how much the 80 minutes fly by like it was embarassed to be taking up the time. Scrooge having lost the love of his life is immediately interrupted by the whispy-voiced Ghost of Christmas Past so he can grin at Scrooge while rapidly changing faces, breaking the moment of the scene before it can even land a punch. It's supposed to be a devastating blow to Scrooge. It's a cold moment. Especially in this version. But the audience doesn't really share much of the sensation as we're dragged back to the filmmakers dangling keys just to keep people interested. Then they rocket Scrooge into the air. Because...of course? The other place that's bafflingly odd is the visitation of Jacob Marley. It's so goofy to watch. He bellows and whines 'Whoa is me!' like he's been wounded every two minutes. I know, I know: he's a ghost but it comes off as comical, to me at least. The attempts to make him disgusting or weird, such as when his mouth suddenly falls wide open, disconnected and limp is just...bafflingly awkward. Am I meant to be freaked out by that or laughing? It looks dumb. It looks like he's trying to chew his face off when he tries to tie his jaw up properly. Jacob trying to speak by tossing his flailing maw up and down to form words is so baffling, I can't help but laugh. "Oh fiddlesticks! Someone poured coffee on the keyboard and now Marley looks like he's ready to swallow Scrooge whole!" Though, that could just to make sure I can even feel anything, so bewildered by the images on screen. But, All the Actors are Giving it a Good Go The fault can't be put on the actors that are trying to give a good performance despite the digital witchcraft going on over the top. They're honestly looking to do good jobs across the board, even if the rest of the movie has no faith that the audience cares. Jim Carrey is pretty good in his role. The old man voice he effects seems awkward at first, but a moment of acclimation and his performance is perfectly serviceable. If anything, his best moment as Scrooge is in the moments after the revelation to turn over a new leaf. Carrey has always been an energetic actor, able to burst with life and motion even when covered in head to toe in green fuzz or while talking with his arse. There's no exception here as Scrooge. His movement makes Scrooge's attempts at embracing the Christmas Spirit all the more enthusiastic. Look at him! He's glaring at the camera like it slept with his wife! Perfect portrayal! And all the funnier for the characters shocked by his sudden change of heart. Even we saw the stark contrast to Scrooge from the first to the second half, thanks to Carrey's performance, making it even more clear than most other interpretations. Heck! It even appears somewhat freaky for all involved as he bellows out his greeting like a war cry. It's honestly tons of fun! Gary Oldman is a good actor. Enough said. The moment when Bob Cratchit is walking up the stairs and stops just in front of Scrooge's face so that he can see every ounce of misery at full blast in the wake of Tiny Tim's death is the only point I ever gave a toss in the entire movie. Colin Firth is...fine. He doesn't get much to do but, hey! He's OK. As an odd twist, again, seemingly pushing the whole 'Nightmare' angle they're working, Carrey plays every single speaking Ghost. Aaaand...OK. I'd call it a bit of a weak link though only because they're in and out of the movie so quickly, it's impossible to give a damn about them. The weird, slightly irish Ghost of Christmas Past is...punchable, honestly. He just floats around and grins inanely! The vaguely irish whisper doesn't lend anything to to the character. Plus, the face looked more like a Samwise Gamgee action figure that was constantly on fire than of an innocent child. So, it goes adorable to creepy and ominous to uncomfortably rapey sounding... The Ghost of Christmas Present is...there. Again, apart from replying to Scrooge's little jab at closing on Sundays with simply saying 'Don't blame me!', there's little characterisation for him. The movie appears to believe that laughing is enough of a character trait to leave it at that. Again, cute to endeering grandfather figure to OH MY GOD, STOP LAUGHING! Everyone is fine. The pacing is so lightning fast that no one has much of a chance to foul up a performance. So, the ones we do get are mostly fine. Does it save the movie? Of course not. It hasn't got any reason to exist other than to make money. Let me remind you that Muppet's Christmas Carol exists! A film that found time to be both sincere and fun. It's huge cast had jokes everywhere while still keeping true to the message of the story. To keep you interested, it had music, it had slapstick, it had jokes, it had Michael Caine and it had heart! It made you give a damn and let things breathe. It's a film that feels lengthy. It has weight. It has substance. It's enjoyable. The Disney version is so afraid you'll turn off, it tries everything it can to wake you up but the only thing it has is more noise and movement. Consider this: in the Muppet's version, the scene where people selling items stolen from Scrooge's home to Joe, a fence for such goods, hits home because these people have not only taken items from Scrooge's home when he was dead, not respecting him in the slightest, but also laughing eagerly at his passing. It's haunting. Which is why it's an habitual watch for my family every year! In the Disney version, Scrooge has been shrunk down for some reason and is watching from the floor. He recognises his cleaning lady, selling off his bed curtains and the shirt he was to be buried in. While this despicable invasion of his property is going on, he's telling the cleaning lady that she's fired in a squeaky voice. It's bizarrely mismatched. Almost comical how stupid this looks until Scrooge is chased away by Joe while he tries to kill a rat, just so that the rollercoster can keep going. It's not worth watching unless you enjoy watching trainwrecks of this kind, like me. Because, they don't often happen. Next time? A movie you should watch! - Site News Everypony Radio is back. I repeat, Everypony radio is back. So, what does that mean? Well, we've got music so why not try pumping it in wherever you need it. One idea is to create more ways to listen in. We're looking into getting Android and iOS applications sorted out and up on the respective stores as soon as. We'll also be looking into small widgets that you can place anywhere you want: your signature, your tumblr page or anywhere they let you mess around with HTML. We'll be looking to make it compact but fully featured to let you listen to all the music you'd want and share it with anyone else looking at the same page. Another thing we're looking to figure out is more shows Now, we're only a small team with busy lives and such but I'm a weirdo with lots of time on his hands so I was looking into doing a goofy quiz show. The idea? Answer questions incorrectly to score points where the best, funniest or most entertaining answer wins out. Answering correctly will be punished, because why not? We'll try to find some guests to take part by dusting off some contacts. We'll be looking to get recording that pretty soon. As always with our media, your more than welcome to join in too. We've always accepted both show ideas and submissions for our radios. So, if you think you have the time, the tools and the talent to rule the airwaves...or bandwidth, since it's internet radio, with your idea, then let us know! Lastly, just as before, DJ's will take up their rotation, pumping out their picks of the best of Brony Music while keeping a general atmosphere of fun in the chat. Drop on by, hang out and suggest a track whenever you see someone on the air. Otherwise, ol' Autobrony has you covered. - Recommended Reading I do a lot of writing on this site, you know? I did this and I did a review of The Beginner's Guide! Busy bee that I am! There was a Pre-Release recently too so, I ought to get on a new Deck Doctor too... Speaking of reviews, Crimson has turned one in! Is that great? What did he... Oh...The Bratz Movie. That's been known to drive people mad. Why Crimson? Don't you know there are people that love and care for you? Don't do it! Don't go into the suckage of that movie! Noooooo! Lunar Skies has created and kept updating this new thread about stuff that you might find interesting happening in the world today. Already we have news of a self-driving car being pulled over for going too slowly and a phone being created by Pepsi. Keep watching for more stories as they're added. After watching The Nostalgia Critic's views on the subject, Poisonous Nightmare wants to discuss whether we're celebrating holidays too early. It's an interesting debate an certainly something that's apparently gone from mild complaint to full blown issue. So...What do you think? Let her know! Next, some artists have set up shop. Well, some new ones anyway! Please welcome Roy, who not only has a lovely selection of pieces but is currently taking commissions. Also, let's talk about Marain who's been adding stuff to the site for quite some time and yet, has completely slipped under my radar. It's all very impressive stuff too, completely with animations to goggle at too. So, I hope being spotlighted now makes up for it! Lastly, some poetry from Nights. There! A full selection of culture and art! Now, I'm off to go play Skyrim some more. I can't run Fallout 4 on my machine so, I'm going back to shooting lightning at dragons! See you next time!
A rant about A Christmas Carol, huh? Honestly, there are many renditions of that story in movie form. Some are good, some are bad. Though they all get the point of the story across in their own way. Though some look like they overdo it a bit. Anyway, I see Tyro is heeding the call of his dragon blood! But seriously, Skyrim is fun and it changed a lot of things that make it easier for new comers to get into the series. Though one of their biggest improvements is easily the leveling system. With it's predecessor 'Oblivion', the leveling system was more akin to a DnD kinda layout where you only level up from using skills specified by your class and sleeping once you obtained the ability to level up. While this is fine for advanced players, it makes new players to the experience shy away from from the game. You actually have to make sure you don't mess up your leveling or you have to start over.
Ideas for #150- - A salute to fallen (quit and/or banned) members - A musical extravaganza - Dance party - A brief history of Everypony.com - An open bar - Ducks
Ehh...Why would we want to give a little recognition to members that we've booted? Naming and shaming isn't something we do here either. Sounds fun. I can't dance to save my life. I tend to look like a spider that's been set on fire. Not a bad idea. Though, it would initially start with 'A bunch of kids threw a site together and then there was both fun and in-fighting'. You buying? You know what would be better? BONUS DUCKS!
I actually recognized the pictures from the Muppets version of "A Christmas Carol." It was good enough, for what it was, but I'll always enjoy the live theatre productions of it better than any other versions... there's just something about them. I-- Yes. Indeed.
All you kiddies need to know is that I singlehandedly saved the site from a massive DDoS attack by suggesting people access the admin CP with Internet Explorer since no other browser would allow access. And it worked. B)
And also were at some point named Greg. And were 40 years old. And other things that I've only heard about secondhandledly.
I know that I am posting on an old thread. But it has only upto now that I have seen that little blurb about me.
