New animated and musical adaptation of Charles Dicken’s famous work. Visited by the ghost of his former business partner and three spirits, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge confronts his past and his present, and he foresees a bleak future if he continues in the same vein.
Since 1843, Charles Dicken’s novel, A Christmas Carol has been adapted for theater and opera as well as for cinema. This new version of a story that we know by heart is not intended for purists with its computer animation in vitamin colors and its catchy dance numbers.
Ebenezer Scrooge (voiced by Luke Evans) is menacing, but not overly menacing, in this Netflix animated movie aimed at kids ages 7 and up. Even if the miser counts his pennies and proves merciless when the time comes to collect his due, his heart does not seem completely dry. The presence of the dog Prudence, entrusted to him by his former partner Jacob Marley (voice of Jonathan Pryce), adds a touch of humor and relaxes the atmosphere.
Connoisseurs will recognize the music and songs of composer Leslie Bricusse in the musical Scrooge, which dates from 1970 and stars Albert Finney. It is indeed a remake of this production. Leslie Bricusse, who died last year at the age of 90, appears in the credits as co-producer. The little-known songs are no more memorable 50 years later. Director and screenwriter Stephen Donnelly, however, takes advantage of the possibilities offered by computer animation to visually sustain interest.
Ebenezer Scrooge’s icy personality carries over to his surroundings, which frost over as he approaches. The appearances of the ghost of Jacob Marley and the spirits of the past, present and future are impressive. The most original ghost is the one to which Olivia Colman lends her voice. This guide in the twists and turns of the past, which takes the form of a wax candle, is skilfully transformed to borrow the features of anyone. She forces Ebenezer Scrooge to remember that he once loved. The moments with his former fiancée Isabel Fezziwig (voiced by Jessie Buckley) are the most touching.
In this watered-down, fast-paced version of the Christmas classic, the misery of the poor in mid-19th-century Englande century, is evoked in a superficial way, in a profusion of dapper colors. Nevertheless, Scrooge feels a strong desire to change. In this sense, it is a more than adequate introduction to this inspiring story, which will perhaps inspire young people to discover other adaptations.
On Netflix
Animation Film
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (VF: A (bad) Christmas carol)
Stephen Donnelly
Voice of Luke Evans, Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley
1:41 a.m.