OVERALL STYLE
10. BAH, HUMDUCK!
Even though I generally love this animation style, it has some rather questionable choices of outline color, a few lazy computer texts for background signs, and some bad CG establishing shots. The movie is also plagued with overly long, uninspired slapstick sequences.
9. A CHRISTMAS CAROL (2009)
This is a mixed bag, actually. The dead-eyed look of the animation is annoying, but a couple characters are spared this. This movie also tries way too hard with its over-the-top antics and effects to the point of tacky, time-consuming action slapstick sequences. Just when you think the movie is stylish in a good way, stupidity comes out of nowhere. It does, however, have some really good use of shading and rich colors.
8. A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL
Some of the scenery has an attractive monochromatic look, and the movie gets credit for trying things differently. Unfortunately, most of the songs are tedious, and the some of the stylistic changes are ill-advised.
7. A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1999)
It has its moments and it’s a solid, faithful interpretation that doesn’t stand out that much.
6. SCROOGE
This is mostly accidental, but I do like both the classic black-and-white picture as well as the unique look of colorization.
5. SCROOGED
It has a challenge in presenting a modernized version of the story that looks different and it succeeds. Cinematographer: Michael Chapman.
4. THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
With its lovable puppetry sharing space with stylized but believable sets, it’s very nice to look at. It also has some sweet compositing between these sets and miniature scenery.
3. MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
I’m a little biased since I love anthro and traditional animation. The scenery has an old style look while still being colorful.
2. A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1971)
Its dark, gritty animation enhances its atmosphere, but it’s a bit disappointing when it gets to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
1. A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1984)
The best executed out of all the faithful versions. Shadowy and grungy, with the right amount of creative license at key moments. Cinematographer: Tony Imi.
MUSIC
10.Bah, Humduck!– Gordon Goodwin
Not too bad, but forgettable. Does seem to fit the franchise, though.
9.A Christmas Carol(2009)– Alan Silvestri
Decent but workmanlike, a disappointment from Silvestri
8.A Christmas Carol (1971) – Tristram Cary
When it happens, it’s mostly recycled hymns. It’s accidentally effective when it’s silent and tense.
7.Christmas Carol: The Musical (2004) – Alan Menken
A couple really good songs (unsurprisingly in the villain style), but it’s balanced out by a few tedious ones.
6. Mickey’s Christmas Carol– Irwin Kostal
5. A Christmas Carol(1999)– Stephen Warbeck
4. Scrooge (1951) – Richard Addinsell
3.The Muppet Christmas Carol– Miles Goodman
A good score with some likable songs.
2. A Christmas Carol (1984) – Nick Bicat
1. Scrooged– Danny Elfman
Elfman takes advantage of his distinctive sound to create yuletide atmosphere that he later uses for Batman Returns. The theme sounds a bit like a prototype for hisBatman theme, but seems evolved from the Dune soundtrack.
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