"Nah, it's all right. This is culture!"
Ebeneezer Scrooge (Caine) is a bitter and stingy man with few friends. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghosts of his former partners, Jacob and Robert Marley, who are paying for their actions. They explain that Scrooge will be visited by 3 more ghosts that evening.
The Ghost of Christmas Past (Jessica Fox, voice) returns Scrooge to his childhood and early career at Fozziewig's (Fozzie). The Ghost of Christmas Present (Nelson), a jolly man, takes Scrooge on a tour of Christmas Day in the city. He sees the life of his clerk, Bob Crachit (Kermit), and his young, sickly son Tiny Tim (Robin). As Scrooge evaluates his life and prepares for the final spirit, The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, can his life really change, or is he doomed to the same fate as the Marleys?
There are countless theatrical and film versions of Charles Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol," but this remains my favorite. Mickey's version is also good, but Pete as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come always freaked me out as a child, and I haven't seen it for years, so I can't compare. Anyway, this is one of my favorite Christmas films.
The Muppets put a new spin on the tale, with Gonzo portraying Charles Dickens and serving as the story narrator. He is paired with Rizzo, who often voices what the audience is thinking, like the quote at the beginning. They make the story a little more "kid friendly" and funnier. All the Muppet parts are perfectly cast, and add to the joy of the story. Michael Caine is excellent as Scrooge, and eventually becomes sympathetic. And he is not upstaged by the Muppet characters, he works with them. Everyone does well with the original songs, which add to the story.
Check out the 20th Anniversary Edition, which features the song "When Love is Gone." It is a beautiful, heartbreaking song, performed by Belle (Meredith Braun), which explains why Scrooge is alone. This song is also available on the original VHS release, but not the 2002 DVD.
Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) 85 minutes
Director: Brian Henson
Starring: Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge
Dave Goelz as (Gonzo) Charles Dickens / Robert Marley / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew
Steve Whitmire as (Kermit) Bob Crachit / Rizzo the Rat
Jerry Nelson as (Robin) Tiny Tim / Jacob Marley / Ghost of Christmas Present
Frank Oz as (Miss Piggy) Emily Crachit / (Fozzie Bear) Fozziewig
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