Reviews

A Christmas Carol is, above all else, an astounding visual experience. Other studios either use 3D to enhance already superior films or attempt to hide mediocrity. Robert Zemeckis who stands nearly alone is using this newfangled version of old-fashioned technology to push the boundaries of 'immersion'. Like The Polar Express in 2004 and Beowulf in 2007, A Christmas Carol is not simply a movie to be seen, but rather to experience. If the film is not as haunting and thrilling as Beowulf or as intoxicating as Henry Selick's more surreal Coraline, this still sets new marks for realism in the painted world. Zemeckis's artists and performers have partnered stunningly lifelike animation (there are no 'dead eyes' this time) with at once astonishing and invisible 3D effects work, creating the illusion of living inside a movie better than anything I've yet experienced.

ByScott Mendelson

The acting in the film is good. Carrey manages to create a meaner Scrooge than usual. This works against the film as Scrooge’s transformation does not ring true – at all. You keep thinking he has an ulterior motive for all his last minute generosity.

This film is definitely too scary for small children. It starts off dark and dreary and moves into ghost world status quickly. These are not Casper like friendly ghosts either. They are scary apparitions who are there to push Scrooge into changing.

By Jackie K. Cooper