Disney’s A Christmas Carol (3D and iMax)
Rated: PG   (The film may be frightening for small children.)
CCN Summary:  As artistic, original and dramatic as any animated version can offer in this traditional Christmas story.  An unbeliveable experience for family and friends.

With the Christmas season upon us, like an expected heavy blanket of snow, bombarded by the commercialism and secularism, Disney attempts to lift our spirits in the spirit of Dickensonian tradition with A Christmas Carol.

Not the fanfare of talking animals and outer space effects, nor a culturally contemporary script, but a masterful rendering of the original story, complete with references (and reverences) to the Nativity, Scriptural quotes, and glad tidings.

While some might criticize the effort to retell this story for the 14th time on the big screen since 1938, the technical superiority in 3D is nothing less than breath-taking.  With fly-throughs across the London skyscape, cut-aways from the viewpoint of the ethereals looking down on the Crachet family through roofs and floors, and detailing to the wrinkles and whiskers of old Ebenzer, himself, A Christmas Carol offers the audience a unique experience sure to stimulate the same physical thrills one feels as they ride a roller coaster.

Instead of adapting the story to film, Director/Producer/Screenwriter Robert Zemeckis adapted modern film animation and technology to the story – a rare and refreshing  departure from the cliche seasonal material provided in recent years.  No puppets, talking pigs, or singing mice, Disney’s 2009 contribution to the Charles Dickens legacy  is an endowment of entertainment and encouragement for young and old.

The ensemble cast and technical talent which produced this production have produced art for the film-lover, a tapestry of color and movement forthe art-lover, and an accurate script true enough to the book to please the most traditional adherent.  Jim Carrey carries the film with a noteworthy English accent and all the arrogance, fear and remorse which the part demands.  Colin Firth, Gary Oldman, Carey Elwes, Robin Wright Penn, Bob Hoskins and many others added their talents to complete a euphony which draws one into a complete visual and audio experience of everyemotion throughout the story…from the horror of witnessing the attacks of ‘ignorance’ and ‘want’ while the spirit of Christmas Present fades into dust…to the hights of elation in Scrooge, humself, as he discovers that mankind is now his business.

Some scenes are truly dark, as one would expect when travelling with certain spirits - but the moral is clear: selfishness without repentance leads to a hopeless end.  With spine-tingling and fearsome graphics in mind, the film is probably not suited for the very young, but viewed best by tweens and older.

On the other hand, with repentance and reconciliation being emphasized, albeit apart from any clear statement of the Gospel, a deficiency more critical of Dickens’ original work rather than an issue with Hollywood’s rendering, believers who know that salvation is only by grace through faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, and not of man’s works (Eph 2:8-9), might, nevertheless, recognize the positive presence of Scripture and reverent treatment of God in secular media in this day and age.  Few choices offer the possibility to evangelize in mainstream settings, and this may be the domino to fell that singular, hardened heart in your sphere of influence at this hour.

A Christmas Carol opens Friday, November 6, 2009.  Visit the website here.

May  Disney’s A Christmas Carol boldly echo the phrases, “Peace on Earth; good tidings to men,” and “God bless us, everyone!” this Christmas season…throughout the year ahead and for many that may come.

(Source: Walt Disney Pictures)