movie review a christmas carol

A supercharged Ebenezer Scrooge, and a delightful visual experience

“Disney’s A Christmas Carol” by Robert Zemeckis (and Charles Dickens , of course) is an exhilarating visual experience and proves for the third time he’s one of the few directors who knows what he’s doing with 3-D. The story that Dickens wrote in 1838 remains timeless, and if it’s supercharged here with Scrooge swooping the London streets as freely as Superman, well, once you let ghosts into a movie, there’s room for anything.

The story I will not repeat for you. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future will not come as news. I’d rather dwell on the look of the film, which is true to the spirit of Dickens (in some moods) as he cheerfully exaggerates. He usually starts with plucky young heroes or heroines and surrounds them with a gallery of characters and caricatures. Here his protagonist is the caricature: Ebenezer Scrooge, never thinner, never more stooped, never more bitter.

Jim Carrey is in there somewhere beneath the performance-capture animation; you can recognize his expressive mouth, but in general the Zemeckis characters don’t resemble their originals overmuch. In his “ The Polar Express ,” you were sure that was Tom Hanks , but here you’re not equally sure of Gary Oldman , Tim Roth , Robin Wright Penn or Bob Hoskins .

Zemeckis places these characters in a London that twists and stretches its setting to reflect the macabre mood. Consider Scrooge’s living room, as narrow and tall just as he is. The home of his nephew Fred, by contrast, is as wide and warm as Fred’s personality.

Animation provides the freedom to show just about anything, and Zemeckis uses it. Occasionally, he even seems to be evoking the ghost of Salvador Dali, as in a striking sequence where all the furniture disappears and a towering grandfather clock looms over Scrooge and a floor slanting into a distant perspective.

The three starring ghosts are also spectacular grotesques. I like the first, an elfin figure with a head constantly afire and a hat shaped like a candle-snuffer. Sometimes he playfully shakes his flames like a kid tossing the hair out of his eyes. After another (ahem) ghost flies out the window, Scrooge runs over to see the whole street filled with floating spectral figures, each one chained to a heavy block, like so many Chicago mobsters sleeping with the fishes.

Can you talk about performances in characters so much assembled by committee? You can discuss the voices, and Carrey works overtime as not only Scrooge but all three of the Christmas ghosts. Gary Oldman voices Bob Cratchit, Marley and Tiny Tim.

I remain unconvinced that 3-D represents the future of the movies, but it tells you something that Zemeckis’ three 3-D features (also including “ Beowulf “) have wrestled from me 11 of a possible 12 stars.

I like the way that Zemeckis does it. He seems to have a more sure touch than many other directors, using 3-D instead of being used by it. If the foreground is occupied by close objects, they’re usually looming inward, not out over our heads. Note the foreground wall-mounted bells that we look past when Scrooge, far below, enters his home; as one and then another slowly starts to move, it’s a nice little touch.

Another one: The score by Alan Silvestri sneaks in some traditional Christmas carols, but you have to listen for such as “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” when its distinctive cadences turn sinister during a perilous flight through London.

So should you take the kiddies? Hmmm. I’m not so sure. When I was small, this movie would have scared the living ectoplasm out of me. Today’s kids have seen more and are tougher. Anyway, “A Christmas Carol” has the one quality parents hope for in a family movie: It’s entertaining for adults.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

• Gary Oldman as Cratchit/Marley/ Tiny Tim
• Bob Hoskins as Fezziwig/Joe
• Fionnula Flanagan as Mrs. Dilber
• Jim Carrey as Scrooge/Ghosts
• Robin Wright Penn as Fan/Belle
• Colin Firth as Fred
• Cary Elwes as Wilkins/Fiddler

Based on the story by

• Charles Dickens

Written and directed by

• Robert Zemeckis

Leave a comment

Now playing.

Speak No Evil (2024)

Saturday Night

The Killer’s Game

Girls Will Be Girls

The 4:30 Movie

Sweetheart Deal

¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!

Latest articles

TIFF 2024: On Swift Horses, Meet the Barbarians, All of You

Natasha Rothwell Finds New Life in Hulu’s Winning “How to Die Alone”

Starz’ “Three Women” Stumbles Through Its Tale of Stifled Female Passion

TIFF 2024: Table of Contents

The best movie reviews, in your inbox.

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

site categories

‘scrooge: a christmas carol’ review: netflix’s trippy take on dickens.

Luke Evans voices the title character in this animated version, also featuring Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley and Jonathan Pryce.

By Frank Scheck

Frank Scheck

• Share on Facebook
• Share to Flipboard
• Send an Email
• Show additional share options
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on Reddit
• Share on Tumblr
• Share on Whats App
• Print the Article
• Post a Comment

It’s hard to tell exactly whether Netflix’s new animated version of Charles Dickens’ Yuletide classic is geared to very young children who respond to sensory overload or drugged-out college students looking for sensory overload.

Related Stories

Focus features lands chloé zhao's 'hamnet', emmys: jon hamm, kristen wiig, maya rudolph nominated for multiple acting awards, scrooge: a christmas carol.

Director Stephen Donnelly has promised to provide “psychedelic, time-traveling and musical surprises” in this umpteenth version of the oft-dramatized tale, and he lives up to his word, for better or worse. The film’s vibrant animation — the opening sequence depicts a London more colorful than it’s ever been — feels more Hanna-Barbera than Dickensian. And it soon gets downright trippy in its frenetic, science fiction-style visuals that depict Scrooge hurtling from one time dimension to the next, frequently featuring supernatural elements. The film’s style could potentially jar the sensibilities of its youngest viewers. On the other hand, this Scrooge owns an adorable dog, so there’s that, although it’s hard to imagine him shelling out his hard-earned money to feed it.  

A terrific cast has been assembled, starting with Luke Evans as a Scrooge with appropriately white hair but a face smooth enough to suggest he’s had Botox. The Welsh actor does fine in the role, using his extensive theatrical musical experience to good advantage in his songs. But when Jonathan Pryce shows up as a truly frightening Jacob Marley, you find yourself thinking what a terrific Scrooge he would have been. Oscar-winner Olivia Colman voices a particularly chipper Ghost of Christmas Past, even if her character, sporting an oversized candle on top of her head, looks more like she belongs in Beauty and the Beast .

It’s all a bit much, really, and the constant tonal shifts from a sort of demonic Fantasia to bouncy musical numbers proves more than a bit jarring. It doesn’t help that none of the songs are particularly memorable. (Anyone remember “Happiness,” “I Like Life” or ‘Christmas Children” from the 1970 film? Didn’t think so.) There are some charming moments, particularly when Scrooge visits his past and encounters his lost love Isabel ( Jessie Buckley ), in this version the daughter of Mr. Fezziwig (James Cosmo). In general, Scrooge is depicted in more sympathetic fashion than usual, making his transition to full-throated holiday cheer at the end of the story less impactful.  

This is certainly not a Christmas Carol for purists, and the over-the-top if undeniably imaginative animation could prove off-putting to those not already on a sugar high. But it provides a decent enough introduction to the story for younger viewers who will hopefully move on to more subtle versions of the classic tale. The film is dedicated to Bricusse, who passed away last year.

Full credits

Thr newsletters.

Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Longtime marvel executive dave bushore exits (exclusive), where to stream emotional blockbuster ‘inside out 2’ online, box office: revenge of the franchises, james earl jones’ death spurs questions about his ‘star wars’ future, james mcavoy talks the reimagined ‘speak no evil’ ending and not being afraid of repetition, ‘superboys of malegaon’ cast and crew on their “feel-good film” about bollywood dreams, diy spirit and friendship.

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

A Christmas Carol

Ebenezer Scrooge, a curmudgeonly, miserly businessman, has no time for sentimentality and largely views Christmas as a waste of time. However, this Christmas Eve, he will be visited by three... Read all Ebenezer Scrooge, a curmudgeonly, miserly businessman, has no time for sentimentality and largely views Christmas as a waste of time. However, this Christmas Eve, he will be visited by three spirits who will show him the error of his ways. Ebenezer Scrooge, a curmudgeonly, miserly businessman, has no time for sentimentality and largely views Christmas as a waste of time. However, this Christmas Eve, he will be visited by three spirits who will show him the error of his ways.

• Brian Desmond Hurst
• Charles Dickens
• Noel Langley
• Alastair Sim
• Jack Warner
• Kathleen Harrison
• 293 User reviews
• 56 Critic reviews

Top cast 42

• Ebenezer Scrooge

• Mrs. Dilber

• Bob Cratchit

• Mrs. Cratchit

• Jacob Marley

• Young Ebenezer Scrooge
• Peter Cratchit

• Spirit of Christmas Present
• (as Francis de Wolff)

• Fan Scrooge

• The Undertaker
• Spirit of Christmas Past
• Fred's Wife

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Did you know

• Trivia The word "humbug" provides insight into Ebenezer Scrooge's hatred of Christmas, as it describes deceitful efforts to fool people by pretending to a fake loftiness or false sincerity. Therefore, when Scrooge calls Christmas a humbug, he is claiming that people only pretend to be charitable and kind in an effort to delude him, each other, and themselves. In Scrooge's eyes, he is the one man who is honest enough to admit that no one really cares about anyone else, so (to him) every wish for a Merry Christmas is one more deceitful effort to fool him and take advantage of him. This is a man who has turned to profit because he honestly believes everyone else will someday betray him or abandon him the moment he trusts them.
• Goofs After Mrs. Dilber has arrived in Scrooge's rooms on Christmas morning, in two clips when Scrooge is looking at himself in a mirror, a member of the crew is also seen reflected in the lower left corner of the mirror. The first clip begins just before Mrs. Dilber says, "Are you quite yourself, sir?" The second begins just before Scrooge says, "Merry Christmas, Ebenezer! You old humbug!"

Spirit of Christmas Present : My time with you is at an end, Ebenezer Scrooge. Will you profit from what I've shown you of the good in most men's hearts?

Ebenezer Scrooge : I don't know, how can I promise!

Spirit of Christmas Present : If it's too hard a lesson for you to learn, then learn this lesson!

[opens his robe, revealing two starving children]

Ebenezer Scrooge : [shocked] Spirit, are these yours?

Spirit of Christmas Present : They are Man's. This boy is Ignorance, this girl is Want. Beware them both, but most of all, beware this boy!

Ebenezer Scrooge : But have they no refuge, no resource?

Spirit of Christmas Present : [quoting Scrooge] Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?

• Alternate versions Some home video releases "trim" just a few seconds off the opening.
• Connections Featured in Rage! (1980)
• Soundtracks Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (pub. 1856) (uncredited) Music by Felix Mendelssohn (1840) Lyrics by Charles Wesley (1730) Sung by offscreen chorus during opening credits Reprised by a family in a Spirit of Christmas Present sequence

User reviews 293

• Dec 13, 2002
• How long is A Christmas Carol? Powered by Alexa
• What is 'Scrooge' about?
• Is "Scrooge" based on a book?
• When the Lord Mayor of London and his guests sing "God Save the Queen", who was the reigning queen of England in 1843?
• December 2, 1951 (United States)
• United Kingdom
• Charles Dickens - Eine Weihnachtsgeschichte
• 8 Scandrett Street, London, England, UK (Scrooges House exterior)
• George Minter Productions
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 26 minutes
• Black and White

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed.

Notice: All forms on this website are temporarily down for maintenance. You will not be able to complete a form to request information or a resource. We apologize for any inconvenience and will reactivate the forms as soon as possible.

• DVD & Streaming

A Christmas Carol

• Animation , Drama , Kids

Content Caution

In Theaters

• November 6, 2009
• Voices of Jim Carrey as Scrooge, Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present and Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come; Gary Oldman as Bob Cratchit, Marley and Tiny Tim; Colin Firth as Fred; Robin Wright Penn as Belle; Bob Hoskins as Mr. Fezziwig

Home Release Date

• November 16, 2010
• Robert Zemeckis

Distributor

• Walt Disney

Positive Elements   |   Spiritual Elements   |   Sexual & Romantic Content   |   Violent Content   |   Crude or Profane Language   |   Drug & Alcohol Content   |   Other Noteworthy Elements   | Conclusion

Movie Review

After hundreds of adaptations and contemporary revisions on radio, the stage and screens large and small, most everyone who’s lived through more than four or five Christmases knows Ebenezer Scrooge’s tale. A miserly husk of humanity, Scrooge is a sour spirit whose withering glance gives chills to the warmest of souls. And even after his business partner, Marley, shuffles off this mortal coil, the long-in-the-tooth but short-in-the-heart Scrooge keeps up his penny pinching precepts.

Why, he even lifts the twopence from his former partner’s forever-closed eyes!

In  Polar Express engineer Robert Zemeckis’ animated take, the now ghostly and gruesome Marley reappears on a dark winter’s eve to offer Scrooge another two cents. The spirit laments his lost and squandered life, and he warns his old friend—in none too friendly terms—that unless he changes his ways, he too will be cursed to endlessly wander the spiritual plain carrying an imponderably long and heavy chain of woes.

Scrooge is dubious, of course. So Marley offers his hunched and wiry partner one more chance at redemption: He promises enlightening visits from three spirits—the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

Positive Elements

Books could be written (and have been) about the depth and breadth of Charles Dickens’ most famous of yarns. I will condense its beneficial offerings to a few meager paragraphs:

Using Scrooge’s dour and often dark journey to full effect, A Christmas Carol regularly reminds us of the joys and redeeming grace that mankind celebrates at Christmas—and we start getting that message long before Mr. Miserable Moneybags makes his big turnaround. Passersby sing Christmas carols recounting and celebrating Jesus’ birth (“Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Joy to the World,” etc.). Several characters—including Scrooge’s nephew Fred and his former boss Fezziwig—speak of heaven’s grace and God’s blessings even in times of sorrow and trial.

And while most people hate or fear Scrooge, his underpaid and underappreciated employee, Bob Cratchit, chooses to dedicate his family’s Christmas meal to his boss and lift praise for the (meager though they may be) morsels he has made possible. Fred longs to see his uncle break free from his self-imposed isolation and come join the rest of his family for Christmas dinner. And though Fred finds himself rebuffed as usual, his heart is big enough that when Scrooge’s heart softens, Fred and his family rejoice.

As Scrooge takes his journey with the Christmas spirits he is reminded of the many kind, gentle and loving people who passed through his life and who he tossed aside. He begins to appreciate the gift that life is. And he—as you already full well know—ultimately sees the egregious error and foolhardiness of his cantankerous and greedy ways.

Then, with feeling, but for the very first time, he reaches out to the Cratchit family. He becomes a “second father” to Tiny Tim. He embraces his nephew and his family. And he opens his purse to give to charity and the poor.

Spiritual Elements

As much as Scrooge’s story may be of a man finding a new redemptive beginning, it is also very much a ghost story. And from ghostly visitors to red-eyed shadow horses to the hooded Specter of Death, this version of it plays those latter elements up about as much as I’ve ever seen them played. Audiences are regularly immersed in its spiritual happenings—some of them dark.

More benevolent are images of rejoicing carolers and praying families. Bob Cratchit reports that his sick and hobbled son wanted people at a Christmas Eve service to notice that he was a cripple so that they might remember “who makes the blind man see and the cripple walk.” People cry out such phrases as, “The Lord is king,” “God bless,” “The Lord bless you” and “God save you!”

Elsewhere, Scrooge’s only love laments that he has replaced his affection for her with an obsession for the “idol” of wealth. A street vendor performs the shell and pea game, calling the three shells the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. A spirit expresses disdain for the clergy.

Sexual & Romantic Content

A number of festive females wear dresses that reveal cleavage. The two starving children (named Ignorance and Want) cowering beneath the robes of the Ghost of Christmas Present grow to adulthood in mere moments—and the girl briefly assumes the wanton look and provocative gestures of a prostitute.

Violent Content

Scrooge takes many a thumping tumble during his journeys with the Christmas spirits. Face-first falls and tumbling chases through cobblestone streets abound. He smashes through huge icicles as he slides down a hill.

In spite of his initial arthritic hunch, though, the old fella turns out to be pretty spry and never appears to be worse for wear or in danger of being hurt.

That’s not to say there aren’t violently frightening moments. For instance, when Marley comes to visit Scrooge, lugging crashing ghostly weights and lashing chains, he becomes so agitated that the entire of his lower jaw snaps off. Scrooge looks out on a courtyard at one point and sees dozens of spirits tortured and tormented by the thumping, crushing weight of their sins.

When the clock strikes 12, the Ghost of Christmas Present crumbles before our eyes in chortling death throes. He eventually is reduced to bone and ash. And during an elongated chase, Scrooge tries to escape the (quite creepy) Specter of Death and his hurtling, wall-shattering hearse. Scrooge later falls into an open grave that appears to be excavated down to the bowels of hell itself.

Crude or Profane Language

“Blast” and “balderdash” are the harshest of Scrooge’s exclamations. But game players at a party slyly invoke the double meaning of “ass” while playing a “guess the animal” game. “Oh my god” is blurted out in surprise.

Drug & Alcohol Content

Partygoers drink tankards of wassail or mead and glasses of wine. A few men are seen with pipes

Other Noteworthy Elements

As much as almost any other classic, this towering tale never seems to grow old. It’s a redemptive story that never fails to leave a tear in my eye or renew my commitment to treat friends, neighbors and even irritating relatives a little nicer.

I’ve personally seen dozens of performances of A Christmas Carol . I’ve even played the cranky old tightwad Scrooge myself a few times in my acting days. And I can readily say I’ve never seen a better overall performance of it than this animated adaptation by Messrs. Zemeckis and Carrey.

The vocal talent is terrific. Jim Carrey’s half-dozen characters are unique, controlled and inviting. He sets aside his typical rubber-faced, goofy pratfalls and ponies up a very thoughtful, enjoyable and at times moving performance. And he’s not alone; the whole cast shines.

The screenplay sticks closely to Charles Dickens’ original. And the brilliant special effects—from motion-capture technology to sweeping camera angles to 3-D twists and turns—dazzle in every scene. Audiences, in fact, will be ducking everything from Christmas wreaths to errant snowflakes.

But that’s not all they’ll be ducking from. Because this is, without question, the most intensely frightening Christmas Carol I’ve ever seen, as well. It’s a pretty dark ghost story and the excellent CGI enhances the shivers with ghastly gusto. Starting with a decomposing Marley and his shattered jaw and lolling tongue, many a young viewer will quickly find themselves scared out of their Christmas candy cane socks.

(I took my teenage daughter with me to the press screening, and after the film her first words were, “That was really scary!”)

That family-oriented warning duly noted, though, I’m compelled to return to the power of Scrooge’s salvation. Because that grim ghostly fare I’ve mentioned—especially since it’s confined to PG-rated boundaries—makes the salient case for jerking ourselves sharply away from our own greedy, selfish, heartless instincts. (While most of us aren’t so shameful as to deprive a good man his holiday pay, we are at least occasionally tempted to stockpile our worldly goods at others’ expense.) When Scrooge is spared from the pains of hell and turns away from the fire that has begun to consume him, the common need for redemption is made plain. And when the ghost of Christmas Present pulls back his robe to reveal those starving, rapidly morphing children, we get the poignant point—right between the eyes—that ignorance and want can lead to crime and sin and destruction.

In this 21st century A.D., computers can create grand cinema, but they can’t negate need. So Dickens’ Victorian warnings ring ever true.

After spending more than two decades touring, directing, writing and producing for Christian theater and radio (most recently for Adventures in Odyssey, which he still contributes to), Bob joined the Plugged In staff to help us focus more heavily on video games. He is also one of our primary movie reviewers.

Latest Reviews

God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust

Transformers One

The Killer’s Game

Weekly reviews straight to your inbox.

Advertisement

Supported by

‘Scrooge: A Christmas Carol’ Review: Slightly Off Key

Luke Evans, Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley lend their voices to this animated musical of the holiday classic.

• Share full article

By Lisa Kennedy

In a season of movies that singe the rich — we see you “The Menu” and “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” — the animated musical “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol” spares one of literature’s more infamous capitalists, Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge (voiced by Luke Evans). Perhaps “spares” is not the right word for what Jacob Marley’s partner in predatory lending endures in the director Stephen Donnelly’s vivid if hardly warranted adaptation of Charles Dickens’s 1843 novella.

The timing for Dickens’s Industrial Revolution jabs may be apt, but this outing’s gilded extravagance muffles the author’s less-is-moral observations. The animation waxes psychedelic. The songs, arranged by Jeremy Holland-Smith, often have an auditioning-for-Broadway belt to them. The opener “I Love Christmas” — with Scrooge’s good-hearted nephew, Harry (Fra Fee), singing and dancing his way to his uncle’s establishment — feels pushy.

Before his death in 2021 , the distinguished lyricist-composer Leslie Bricusse wrote that new song. Holland-Smith and Donnelly penned two others, and the arranger revamped the other songs, which Bricusse had created for the 1970 adaptation, “Scrooge,” including the Oscar-nominated, zest-for-life-and-death number “Thank You Very Much.” That film starred Albert Finney and featured Alec Guinness as Jacob Marley. This cast, too, brims with class acts: Jonathan Pryce as the cautioning Marley; Olivia Colman as Past; Jessie Buckley as Scrooge’s onetime fiancée. Especially winning are Giles Terera (as Tom Jenkins) and Trevor Dion Nicholas as that most Falstaffian of the Christmas Eve ghosts, Present.

This update has its moments of aplomb, but too many of Dickens’s most incisive lines are no more, which invites the not entirely charitable, two-word retort Scrooge made famous.

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 36 minutes. Watch on Netflix.

Screen Rant

A christmas carol.

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Edwin L. Marin

Edwin L. Marin

Not Rated

69 Minutes

Reviews (0)

Have You Watched It?

Be the first to leave your review.

Your Rating

Reginald owen, gene lockhart, related titles.

eternal sunshine of the spotless mind

BABY REINDEER

Your comment has not been saved

Have you watched it?

Be the first to leave a community review!

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Movie Reviews
• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

How to Help Kids Build Character Strengths with Quality Media

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Multicultural Books

YouTube Channels with Diverse Representations

Podcasts with Diverse Characters and Stories

A christmas carol (1938).

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 1 Review
• Kids Say 2 Reviews

Common Sense Media Review

By Scott G. Mignola , based on child development research. How do we rate?

Classic Dickens' tale has mild scares but positive messages.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that A Christmas Carol is a family-friendly take on the Dickens' classic about Ebenezer Scrooge (Reginald Owen), a miserly man who after being visited by ghosts changes his ways. While the presence of ghosts might be unnerving to some children -- particularly Marley's Ghost (Leo…

Why Age 8+?

Some angry words are exchanged between characters. Twice, characters are seen ca

Character enthusiastically opens a bottle of port saying it's "cheering, warming

Occasional rudeness includes "idiot" and "arse."

Any Positive Content?

The value of kindness and generosity -- particularly toward those less fortunate

Bob Cratchit and his family are joyful, positive, and loving -- despite living i

This is a much-shortened and family-friendly version of A Christmas Carol but it

Violence & Scariness

Some angry words are exchanged between characters. Twice, characters are seen carrying a dead goose, both times its head is seen lolling back and forth. Creepy ghosts and an unnerving visit to a graveyard.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Character enthusiastically opens a bottle of port saying it's "cheering, warming, goodly." Later a character takes a swig from a glass of port. Two scenes in which a family (including the children) all take a drink of homemade punch. A toast is made with glasses of alcohol -- characters take a drink before playing a jolly party game.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

The value of kindness and generosity -- particularly toward those less fortunate than you. The importance of family and friendships. What it means to share what you have with others, and to love and support one another. A strong message throughout is that placing too much value on money and material possessions will not bring happiness. Overall, this moralistic tale demonstrates that greed and lovelessness can lead to spiritual ruin, but that no one is too old or too hardened to change their ways.

Positive Role Models

Bob Cratchit and his family are joyful, positive, and loving -- despite living in hardship. They show that money is not important, they enjoy simple pleasures, and they are seen sharing the little that they have. Scrooge shows the dangers of living a life focused on money and lacking love. By the end he becomes an excellent role model for change and redemption. Scrooge's nephew Fred is charming, friendly, and non-materialistic, appreciating the value of love and family. In keeping with the historical timeframe, the few female characters have little impact on the overall story, playing secondary roles as wives, fiancées, or daughters.

Educational Value

This is a much-shortened and family-friendly version of A Christmas Carol but it will nevertheless give viewers an insight into the work of Charles Dickens and the way people lived in Victorian times.

Parents need to know that A Christmas Carol is a family-friendly take on the Dickens' classic about Ebenezer Scrooge (Reginald Owen), a miserly man who after being visited by ghosts changes his ways. While the presence of ghosts might be unnerving to some children -- particularly Marley's Ghost ( Leo G. Carroll ) and the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come (D'Arcy Corrigan) -- they are largely unthreatening and the spookiness is balanced with moments of humor. The desperate plight of the Cratchit family is played down, and even Scrooge's meanness feels short-lived. Set in Victorian London, the few female characters that appear on screen are restricted to supporting roles with little impact on the overall story. There is occasional but enthusiastic drinking of alcohol. In two separate scenes, a family (including the children) all drink some homemade punch. Though the story is fundamentally about greed and redemption, this adaptation has a strong sense of optimism throughout and an ending that exudes unbridled festive joy. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Parent and Kid Reviews

• Parents say (1)
• Kids say (2)

Based on 1 parent review

Best to wait...

What's the story.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL tells the story of mean and miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (Reginald Owen), an old man with no friends or family who only seems to care about money. He is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his old partner who urges him to change his ways. Three more spirits follow, each taking him on a journey through Christmas Past, Present, and Yet To Come, to show him how his actions have affected those around him -- and how they have stifled his happiness. When the sun comes up on Christmas Day morning, will Ebenezer be a new man, ready to make amends and bring joy to his friends and family?

Is It Any Good?

This 1938 version of A Christmas Carol is a charming early adaptation of Charles Dickens' novella. It opens with a jolly Victorian Christmas scene and the promise of a warm and gentle journey through what is, at least in part, a dark and harrowing tale of redemption. Somehow the overall tone tends toward cheer and optimism, even as mean and miserly Scrooge is being shown the error of his selfish and judgmental ways.

The short runtime means the story is rather whizzed through, but it doesn't lose the essence of this cautionary tale, nor does it undermine the cast of classic characters. And while Dickens aficionados might feel short-changed, many viewers -- especially younger ones -- will find this a reasonably accessible and certainly entertaining retelling. Though made in 1938, this black and white production has a timeless feel to it. Indeed, the very fact that it was made so long ago probably makes it all the more atmospheric to a 21st century audience. And nobody, of any age, can fail to be uplifted by its ultimate festive message of goodwill to all.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about what the underlying message of A Christmas Carol is. What do you think the movie is trying to say is the true meaning of Christmas?

Talk about positive role models in the movie. Which characters do you feel exhibit positive character traits like compassion , courage , or humility ? Why are these important character strengths to have? Can you think of a time when you've had to demonstrate these traits?

Talk about other adaptations of A Christmas Carol , including some creative takes on the story like Scrooged or The Muppet Christmas Carol . How do you think the traditional versions compare to the more modern retellings?

Movie Details

• In theaters : December 16, 1938
• On DVD or streaming : November 8, 2005
• Cast : Reginald Owen , Gene Lockhart , Kathleen Lockhart
• Director : Edwin L. Marin
• Studios : MGM , Warner Home Video
• Genre : Classic
• Topics : Book Characters , Holidays , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
• Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Humility
• Run time : 69 minutes
• MPAA rating : NR
• Last updated : February 3, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

What to watch next.

A Christmas Carol (1984)

Disney's A Christmas Carol

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Best holiday movies for kids, christmas movies, related topics.

• Book Characters
• Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

• About Rotten Tomatoes®
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening This Week
• Top Box Office
• Coming Soon to Theaters
• Certified Fresh Movies

Movies at Home

• Fandango at Home
• Prime Video
• Most Popular Streaming Movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• 87% Speak No Evil Link to Speak No Evil
• 77% Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Link to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
• 95% Rebel Ridge Link to Rebel Ridge

New TV Tonight

• 82% How to Die Alone: Season 1
• 59% Emily in Paris: Season 4
• 57% The Old Man: Season 2
• 20% Three Women: Season 1
• -- Universal Basic Guys: Season 1
• -- My Brilliant Friend: Story of the Lost Child: Season 4
• -- Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy: Season 1
• -- The Circle: Season 7
• -- Jack Whitehall: Fatherhood with My Father: Season 1
• -- In Vogue: The 90s: Season 1

Most Popular TV on RT

• 93% The Penguin: Season 1
• 60% The Perfect Couple: Season 1
• 85% The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Season 2
• 75% Kaos: Season 1
• 100% Slow Horses: Season 4
• 100% Dark Winds: Season 2
• -- Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter: Season 1
• 93% Bad Monkey: Season 1
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV

Certified fresh pick

• 93% The Penguin: Season 1 Link to The Penguin: Season 1
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

50 Best New Horror Movies of 2024

Best Movies of 2024: Best New Movies to Watch Now

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming

Awards Tour

Transformers One First Reviews: The Best Transformers Movie Yet

The Penguin First Reviews: Colin Farrell’s Wild Performance Makes the Series a Must-Watch

• Trending on RT
• Best Horror Movies
• Top 10 Box Office
• Toronto Film Festival
• Free Movies on YouTube

A Christmas Carol

Where to watch.

Rent A Christmas Carol on Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Prime Video, Apple TV.

Critics Reviews

Audience reviews, cast & crew.

David Jones

Patrick Stewart

Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge

Richard E. Grant

Bob Cratchit

The Ghost of Christmas Past

Ian McNeice

Mr. Albert Fezziwig

Saskia Reeves

Mrs. Cratchit