A Christmas Carol (2009)
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A miserly man is visited by supernatural entities on Christmas Eve, forcing him to confront his past, present, and a terrifying future.
The story
On Christmas Eve in 1843, Ebenezer Scrooge, a surly and miserly businessman in Victorian London, refuses to join the holiday festivities. After his business partner's death, he lives a life of isolation and greed. However, on the night before Christmas, he is visited by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley, who is bound in chains. Marley warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits over the next three nights. Scrooge must heed their warnings or suffer a similar fate. The journey begins as he is confronted with the reality of his choices and the impact of his actions on those around him.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1843, Ebenezer Scrooge is a wealthy but cold-hearted man in Victorian London. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his late partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of his fate and introduces three spirits. The Ghost of Christmas Past takes him through his youth, showing his relationship with his sister Fan and his former love, Belle. The Ghost of Christmas Present shows him the joy of others, including the humble life of Bob Cratchit and his sickly son, Tiny Tim, as well as the celebration at his nephew Fred's house. Finally, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows him a grim future where his death is met with indifference, specifically highlighting the tragic death of Tiny Tim. Terrified, Scrooge awakens on Christmas Day and undergoes a transformation, becoming generous and kind. He provides for the Cratchits, gives to the poor, and becomes a benefactor to Tiny Tim, ultimately embracing the spirit of Christmas.
- First release year
- 2009
- Runtime (minutes)
- 96
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Robert Zemeckis
- Writers
- Robert Zemeckis · writer
- Cast and characters
- Jim Carrey · Ebenezer Scrooge; Gary Oldman · Bob Cratchit; Gary Oldman · Jacob Marley; Gary Oldman · Tiny Tim; Colin Firth · Fred; Robin Wright Penn · Belle; Robin Wright Penn · Fan; Bob Hoskins · Mr. Nigel Fezziwig; Bob Hoskins · Old Joe; Cary Elwes · Dick Wilkins/Portly Gentleman #1/Mad Fiddler/Guest #2/Business Man #1; Fionnula Flanagan · Mrs. Dilber
- Genres
- animated; Christmas; fantasy
- Themes
- redemption; generosity; the spirit of Christmas
- Tone and mood
- dark; fantasy
- Premise and plot tags
- time travel; supernatural
- Source material / true-story basis
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843)
- Franchise connections
- A Christmas Carol
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews from critics, who criticized its dark tone and script, but praised its visuals, score, and the performances of Carrey and Oldman.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 6/10 · scale: 10 · review count: 196; Metacritic · score: 55 · scale: 100 · review count: 32
- Awards and nominations
- Kids' Choice Awards · Favorite Voice From an Animated Movie · 2010 · win
- Production trivia
- The film was the first produced by ImageMovers Digital.; The film was a box office disappointment, losing the studio an estimated $50–100 million.; The film was released in Disney Digital 3D, RealD 3D, and IMAX 3D formats.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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