Carrey on Carol

Most readers will undoubtedly have seen at least one theatrical adaptation of this literary classic from Charles Dickens.

Whether you've read the book or seen the Muppets epic portrayal of the story, one thing is for sure, you know the festive season is at hand when people start talking about this story.

For those who have not read the book or seen any of the previous adaptations (have you been living under a rock?), the story focuses on the life of a man named Ebenezer Scrooge.

Scrooge is a character that most of us can relate to, or at least liken to someone that we know. You know the sort, they have no festive cheer and say things like, "Christmas is just another day," and then spend what should be the most exciting and social day of the year for some locked away from the world.

Scrooge is a man whose life revolves around making money and attempting to make those around him just as bitter and cold as he is.

However, on Christmas Eve Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who is now forced to spend his afterlife carrying heavy chains forged from his own greedy ways.

Scrooge looks out of his window and sees many more ghosts suffering the same fate. Marley warns Scrooge that he will suffer an even worse fate if he doesn't repent, and tells him how three ghosts will show him the error of his ways.

Each ghost reveals more of Scrooge's character, why he is so unhappy, how he came to be the way he is and what he must change about himself to avoid an unenviable fate.

The animation in this film is nothing short of breathtaking and helps to rejuvenate this tale for a younger generation who may perhaps be more concern with special effects than the moral of the story being told.

Jim Carrey is on top form in this production, once again assuming the role of a misanthropic 'grinch' who has nothing but contempt for Christmas and all those who celebrate it. It is ironically Carrey's innate ability to be over-the-top that makes his portrayal believable, and he does a remarkable job in this film.

Now, I may be revealing too much of my inner geek, showing my age and possibly losing some fans but, as good as this version was ... it simply doesn't hold a candle to the Muppets version! Come on, Kermit the frog as Scrooge, it's priceless. And, to all those who disagree, I have two words for you, Bah Humbug!