Just got back from a screening of A Christmas Carol. Thought it was one of the weirdest, coolest, most unusual theatrical experiences of this year. Thought it took very hefty balls to make a kids movie that was as dark and emotionally complex as the Dickens story. Somehow I knew, though, that when I started looking around at the reviews I would find a handful of wet blankets ready to remove all of my fun. And lo, a 55 rating at Metacritic.
At least a couple of them, Owen Gleiberman and Roger Ebert, liked it as much as I did. I can say this about the movie: it is way ahead of its time. I know I keep saying this over and over again about the movies I like that the groupthink doesn’t, but in this case I really do believe this film will be rediscovered by less grumpy people as time goes by.
I think to appreciate the movie, though, you have to be digging on the special effects, namely the 3-D. I think it is as good and as enjoyable probably without the glasses, but with them – a whole new world unfolds. This is digital effects as their most stunning. Since I was greatly moved by Peter Jackson’s King Kong and David Fincher’s Benjamin Button, I think I have to dub myself a bit of an f/x geek. Either way, I don’t know if it manages an Oscar nod or not, but this film is one of the best I’ve seen this year. And I’m not afraid to go up against groupthink. Just watch me. See, not afraid. Still not afraid.
