Why 'The Muppets Christmas Carol' Is The Definitive 'A Christmas Carol' Adaptation
Greg Ehrhardt, OnStage Blog Editorial Staff
We argue a lot about the best movie of a genre and the worst movie of the genre, but we rarely argue about what the DEFINITIVE movie of a genre is. The definitive movie is not necessarily the best movie of the genre; it is the movie that best exemplifies the best qualities of the genre.
An example of a movie being definitive, but not necessarily the best, could be Goodfellas, even though ‘The Godfather’ may be not just the best movie of the genre but the best movie of all time.
(The quick and dirty case: Godfather is a great operatic movie focused on a singular journey to evil, whereas Goodfellas is a great movie, almost as good as The Godfather, but is more focused on common mafia movie themes and covers more of the mafia as an entity than The Godfather)
You may argue that The Godfather is definitive and the best, but at least we agreed on the distinction.
Since we are in the Christmas season, let’s talk about Christmas movies and one movie that has been remade so many times that it is a genre unto itself: A Christmas Carol.
There are 20 film adaptations (and counting) as of this writing, and some remarkable performances to note, namely Alastair Sim, Bill Murray, and, well, Jim Carrey playing Scrooge and the three ghosts (I said remarkable, not great, don’t @ me!), among many other live-action and animated versions.
So why is the one featuring the Muppets the definitive ‘A Christmas Carol’ movie, the one I would show to Aliens who came down to Earth demanding only one version be shown to them?
I count five reasons:
1) Michael Caine is a GREAT Scrooge
Caine famously agreed to do this movie on the condition that he acted as if he was going for an Oscar and he lived up to his end of the bargain. Most human performers act alongside the Muppets with at least a wink as far as they know what they are doing, but Caine doesn’t even give that. ‘A Christmas Carol’ is all about personal transformation, and Caine represents the monster and the reformed as well as anyone (including Alistair Sims, the gold standard)
2) It’s appropriate for all ages
The original novella alternates between a pretty grim ghost story and a corny, familial tale; the earlier adaptations emphasize the ghosts and what a miserable scourge Scrooge is. This makes these adaptations difficult for kids to watch and relate to. However, we feel ‘A Christmas Carol’ should be made to be viewed by all ages; it’s a story whose themes are relevant for everybody, and the Muppets version best balances the dark and friendly vibes of the story.
Plus, if you want to focus on the dark parts, you still have the Ghost of Christmas Future, Scrooge sobbing over his lost love, the whole beginning act where you really think Scrooge is going to toss Muppets into the furnace, and of course, the future where Tiny Tim dies (as gutting as any movie, bar none).
3) Kermit/Robin Are Definitive Cratchits
The Cratchits are pivotal to the story to juxtapose their innocence and happiness against Scrooge’s misery. Who is more innocent and wholesome than Kermit and Robin? Don’t those two qualities define the characters of Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim? And whose heart doesn’t melt during this song?
4) The Music Emphasizes The Crucial Themes of the Story
We think the definitive ‘A Christmas Carol’ movie must have music, even though most do not. The primary emotions of the story are sorrow and rejoicing; both are best exemplified through music and not monologues. The Muppets Christmas Carol has great songs to back these themes up:
When Love is Gone: Find me another Christmas song about love disappearing that doesn’t have an ounce of optimism in it.
(Side note: I always felt it strange this was deemed the anchor song of the musical to be covered by Martina McBride. It’s arguably the 3rd best song of the musical and unquestionably the most depressing?)
It Feels Like Christmas. It surprises me this song hasn’t taken off more on Christmas playlists (why hasn’t Kelly Clarkson done a cover of this?)
Thankful Heart. This song is a personal favorite, even though Michael Caine sings it, but there’s a charm in that, too (it doesn’t matter how well you sing, as long as you sing).
Although too corny to ever be sung professionally, the song is a perfect encapsulation of redemption; you would need an Act 1 Scroogian heart not to get a chill listening to the lyrics.
5) Charles Dickens Himself is Involved in the Movie
What could be more definitive of a Christmas Carol movie than that?
Ultimately, a great test of a movie being definitive is it must be a movie you would bet on showing your descendants 10, 20, or 30 years from now as being the example of a genre.
‘A Muppets Christmas Carol’ is sweet, it’s funny, haunting, and features great performances from humans and Muppets alike.
Isn’t that definitive?
If you enjoyed this discussion of whether a movie is definitive, you would enjoy our podcast “Definitive Cinema,” where we debate what the definitive movie is of various genres, plot tropes, actors, directors, and more. Check out all of our episodes here or on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.