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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010
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 MOVIE REVIEW 
11

Motion-Capture Christmas Carol Hits Wrong Notes

Spirit's there, but critics split on wow-factor of evolving tech

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(Newser) – Most critics express a hearty "humbug" for Robert Zemeckis' motion-capture version of A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carrey. A sampling:

  • "It's a heartwarmer that doesn't have much of a heart itself," Michael O'Sullivan writes in the Washington Post, "populated by figures that are halfway between Wii Fit avatars and real people." Come on, folks: "Just because something can be done with computers doesn't mean it should be."

  • Mike Scott of the Times-Picayune sees something else: a classic version of a classic. 'No cartoon characters to be found here, no Muppets, no shiny, happy singalongs. That's not the way Dickens wrote it, and so it's not the way Zemeckis presents it."
  • "Mo-cap' comes at a cost," Joe Neumaier writes in the New York Daily News. "Like a dime-store holiday card, this 'Christmas Carol' is well-crafted but artless, detailed but lacking soul."

Ebenezer Scrooge, voiced by Jim Carrey, is shown in a scene from
Ebenezer Scrooge, voiced by Jim Carrey, is shown in a scene from "A Christmas Carol."   (AP Photo)
Bob Cratchit carries Tiny Tim, both characters voiced by Gary Oldman, in a scene from
Bob Cratchit carries Tiny Tim, both characters voiced by Gary Oldman, in a scene from "A Christmas Carol."   (AP Photo)
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11 comments
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DarkFrancis
Nov 6, 09 2:40 PM CST
What note is one supposed to hit with this story? Ebenezer Scrooge is the epitome of a misanthrope, and his story of redemption should be told with all the darkness and sadness soaked in the pages of the book. By doing that, the redemption and joy display in much sharper relief. It's good to be faithful to books where possible, especially books that are among the most beloved in all literature. Have a look at Alistair Sim's quintessential Scrooge. Reply
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gabo
Nov 6, 09 3:13 PM CST
What is the last thing Jim Carrey has done that you would pay for? Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Netstorm2k10
Nov 6, 09 4:40 PM CST
Yes Man was pretty funny.
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IN RESPONSE:
DarkFrancis
Nov 7, 09 4:48 PM CST
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
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IN RESPONSE:
drlarrymitchell
Nov 13, 09 9:31 PM CST
The Number 23.
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The Toronto Star review the film
Toronto Star (Canada)

 
film • animation • movie review • Charles Dickens • Jim Carrey • motion capture • Robert Zemeckis

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