OK for kids 9+
3-D adaptation of classic holiday tale may scare young kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that, unlike The Polar Express, this Robert Zemeckis adaptation of a classic holiday tale is too intense both visually and in content for families with very young children. At its heart, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is a ghost story, and not only are the many spirits very creepy at times, but the 3-D technology makes certain scenes -- as when the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come's red-eyed black stallions jump out at the audience -- all the scarier. And the realistic nature of the motion capture technology often makes the movie seem more like live action (and thus more intense) than animation. But on the other hand, the language is mild (British slang like "bugger" and "blast") and the drinking limited to Christmas toasts. And the messages are all quite positive, as Ebenezer Scrooge's (Jim Carrey) transformation is one of literature's ultimate stories of redemption and hope, even in the bleakest of times.
- Families can talk about the lessons that Scrooge learns. How does he change throughout the movie? What is the story trying to teach us about not just Christmas, but about human behavior in general?
- How are the themes of A Christmas Carol still relevant more than 200 years after it was originally written? Kids: How can you act generously during the holidays and year round?
- Do you think the 3-D technology enhances the movie, or would it have been as good/better without it?
The good stuff
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Educational value: The movie educates younger viewers (in a "scared straight" kind of way) on the importance of being kind and selfless, rather than greedy and selfish like Scrooge.
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Messages: Dickens' classic tale is full of important, relevant messages: Even in economically difficult times, there is hope and happiness; money isn't the most necessary ingredient to live a happy, successful life; those lucky enough to have money should be generous toward those who are less fortunate; everyone should be kind and charitable, no matter how rich they are; and family and friendship are far more fulfilling than work.
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Role models: Although Ebenezer Scrooge is clearly a negative role model at first, he redeems himself and becomes a positive one. By abandoning his greedy ways, he realizes the importance of generosity, selflessness, altruism, family, and the spirit of Christmas. Secondary characters like Scrooge's nephew Fred, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim are all admirable for their exemplary loyalty, faith, and sincerity.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Several frightening images of skeletons, corpses, and ghosts, from the very first scene of a dead Jacob Marley lying in a coffin to an open grave in scenes from Christmas future. The ghost of Marley -- along with the three spirits of Christmas, especially the Grim Reaper-esque Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (and his stampeding, red-eyed horses) -- can be disturbing, as can the hissing, threatening figures of Ignorance and Want. Some of the 3-D scenes are also intense and startling, and there are several sad scenes, particularly one in which a family mourns a young child.
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Sexy stuff: A young Ebenezer dances and exchanges longing looks with a woman, and it's later clear that they were engaged.
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Language: Some British slang like "bugger" and "blast." The words "hell" and "ass" are used, too, but not as curses. One character says "oh my God."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults make Christmas toasts with what is presumably wine.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
True to the Original! by tmagdiel
Awesome animation and yet stays true to the original Dickens' A Christmas Carol... Might want to see the 3D version though, the animation would make even more sense then.
4
Amazing Animation BUT DO NOT Take Young Children!! by carlyedennis33
I have to say it shocked me that Disney made such a movie with a DARK side to it. I have a 2 & 9 year old and thought it would be a good time for the girls. Boy was I wrong. About 45 minutes into the movie we left with my 9 year old scared to death and in tears! The movie is not family based at all and I really think it should have been rated PG-13 and I am pretty relaxed in what my girls see for the most part. I was shocked to say the least. I don not recommend this for anyone under the age of 12 or13 unless they are accustomed to scary movies.
Now that being said I do want to see the movie (Without Kids) in 3-D before it leaves the theatres because the animation was UNBELIEVABLE!! The people looked real and the effects were amazing in 2-D I can't wait to see it in 3-D
This review was mainly to save those with little ones the money for a movie they may have to leave mid-movie like I did because of the scare/jump factor..
4
Just another attempt by Nationcall
THE CONTENT: First off, don't take kids under 10 to see this newly imagined Dickens classic. With a lot of heart and fun, this film is good for kids, but there's some scary images and language that go along with it. Be cautious before entering this movie if the kids can't handle the Bill Murray movie "SCROOGED".
IS IT GOOD: So, now you have your demographic, this fillm is for ages 10-20 and 45-65. These are the age groups that will be most entertained by the film. Here's the thing, while all the spirits and ghosts are new and re-done with a Jim Carrey touch, it's the same as any other vision of the classic Charles Dickens story. Plus the acting is mainy just Carrey, which can be a bit overwhelming.
FINAL ANALYSIS: All right, if you want to see this based on the stunning visuals, and they are stunning, alone, then you won't be disappointed. Just don't go in expecting a remake masterpiece, because I can 100% gaurantee you you'll feel shortchanged.
-Brandon Vander Hey
4
A Christmas Carol - go but not with your kids by tmmawm
Great movie for adults and older children. I made the mistake of bringing my ten and eleven year old children who were both very uncomfortable with this dark movie and we ended up leaving after the appearance of the ghost of Christmas Present. I will go back and watch the movie again sans children.
5
Best version of the classic by adabrams
I remember watching The Christmas Carol as a kid and, actually, enjoying it. Now that I've got two boys who we took to see this brilliiant adaptation, I'll never show the original after letting them watch this one. The 3-D is spectaular and the sound is excellent I would recommend this to anyone who loves the story. It is even a little scary at times. I loved it.
5
Please don't take small children. by tinabu
Before I went to see this movie, I was reading reviews of how scary the movie was and how dark it was. That is what it is supposed to be, duh, it's "A Christmas Carol". Where a stingy old man is supposed to get the life scared out of him so he would change his ways. This was a great movie and I am so in love with the new 3D. The cast is amazing and bring such reality to this animation. I will be going to see it again and I never see movies twice in the theater. My 11 year old agrees. The only problem we had with the movie was the audience. People: don't bring anyone under 8 years of age to a movie theater unless the movie is a "G". They get bored, cry and scream and I don't blame them, they are too little for big movies. Get a sitter. And for you who thought this movie isn't a Christmas Classic, read the book first, maybe you'll get it then.
4
A Christmas Carol by 707_peaches
I took my 3 year old grandson and he loved it! It does have some scary parts in the beginning, but they weren't too scary. We definitely recommend it for everyone!! It's a great way to kick off the holiday season!
5
True to Dickens's Story . . . Mostly by mimifa
With so many versions of Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," including Disney's "Muppet Christmas Carol" and "Mickey's Christmas Carol," one might think that there was no need for yetanother. Even I, whose favorite author is Dickens, wondered why Disney would make another one, let alone one with Jim Carey, who I felt didn't add anything by remaking "Grinch." But curiosity moved me to see the 3-D version with my nieces and nephew. It's great! It's the truest to Dickens's story that I've seen. The only deviation was during the part with the Ghost of Christmas Future, when Scrooge shrunk and was chased by demon, ghost horses. However, Disney probably added that to lighten the mood of the final, and scariest ghost. I caught my nieces (7 & 9) laughing at the tiny Scrooge, while both of them said afterward that they were scared during the whole future scene. But the future ghost isn't much scarier than in the Muppet version, which they watch every year. Thanks, Disney, you did Dickens proud!
3
Might want to think twice about taking young kids.... by kaleju
Maybe I missed warnings in other places, but if you have a little one, they may get scared by this movie. I personally thought it was a good movie- Jim Carrey does a great job and the animation is superb. However, my 4 year old spent most of the movie in my lap telling me he was scared. It is a bit of a dark movie. I know that's kind of a no-brainer considering there's ghosts that are coming to show Scrooge the err of his ways, but remember how some other tellings of this story were a little more lighthearted? (The old Mickey's Christmas Carol comes to mind...) So I would say if you have little ones around my son's age, think twice before running out to see this. Otherwise, I think it's worth it to go see.
1
A Christmas Carol not worth seeing by dwisch
so there were a few times in the movie that were cute and funny.....sad to say most of the movie was full of dark scary ugh parts that were not at all for kids... I do not know why when you put out a movie that is suppose to be fun for all ages it has to have so much ugly and scary stuff in it that your kids have nights mares over..... I have seen this movie made over several times and this was my least favorite.... I did not like the movie at all and neither did my son(8) he was ready to leave before it was even over...