THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (1992)

Film of the Day #244 - 25 Days of Christmas Movies #23

Dec 23, 2023

THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
1992 • Brian Henson
Cast: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz, Ray Coulthard, Steven Mackintosh, Meredith Braun, Robin Weaver, David Rudman
Screenplay: Jerry Juhl; Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Cinematography: John Fenner
Music: Miles Goodman
Producers: Brian Henson, Martin G. Baker

Walt Disney Pictures

- Hello! Welcome to the Muppet Christmas Carol! I am here to tell the story.
- And I am here for the food.

In the winter of 1992, the Muppets brought Charles Dickens' timeless tale to life in a way only they could. The Muppet Christmas Carol remains a holiday classic, not just for its heartwarming narrative but for the unexpected brilliance of Sir Michael Caine as the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge. Michael Caine is Ebeneezer Scrooge. Kermit the Frog is Bob Cratchit. Miss Piggie is Mrs. Cratchit. Fozzy Bear as Fozzywig (Heh.) Statler and Waldorf as Jacob and Robert Marley. And The Great Gonzo as Charles Dickens. What makes the film so wonderful is the effortless blending of the story everybody knows with the signature Muppet humor. Don't let the fact that there are Muppets in the film fool you, it's still very effective as a heartwarming holiday film. 1951’s Scrooge with Alastair Sim is the best version of the film in terms of accuracy to the source material, but The Muppet Christmas Carol remains to this day my favorite adaptation of Dickens's classic story.

It's not every day that an actor of Sir Michael Caine's caliber willingly shares the screen with puppets. Yet, in The Muppet Christmas Carol, Caine delivers a performance that transcends the boundary between live-action and puppetry. His portrayal of Scrooge is nothing short of remarkable. Caine's commitment to playing the character straight, without a hint of irony or Muppet-inspired humor, is a testament to his skill as an actor. Caine's Scrooge is not just a curmudgeon; he's downright vile. Most Scrooge actors never smile before the final redemption, but Caine does… WICKEDLY when he speaks about evictions and foreclosures. The actor's dedication to embodying the miserly qualities of the character sets the stage for one of the most effective transformations in any adaptation of A Christmas Carol. The darkness of Scrooge's soul makes his redemption all the more powerful and moving.

Before the cameras rolled, Caine made it clear to producer/director Brian Henson that he intended to treat the role completely straight: "I'm going to play this movie like I'm working with the Royal Shakespeare Company. I will never wink, I will never do anything Muppety. I am going to play Scrooge as if it is an utterly dramatic role, and there are no puppets around me." Which is exactly what this movie calls for. Caine delivers a Scrooge that feels authentic. The juxtaposition of Caine's genuine performance against the whimsy of his Muppet co-stars is what makes this film work so well. Scrooge's interactions with the Muppets are seamless, never once breaking the illusion that this is a serious tale of redemption. Caine's ability to create a believable character in such fantastical circumstances is no small feat and deserves recognition as a key factor in the film's success.

The brilliance of The Muppet Christmas Carol lies not just in its adherence to Dickens' classic story but in its innovative use of the Muppets to amplify the narrative. The Muppets aren't just characters; they're conduits for humor, spookiness (The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is terrifying), and genuine emotion. The film strikes a delicate balance between the whimsical and the profound, taking the story to creative heights that Dickens himself might have appreciated. The movie is a rollercoaster of emotions, seamlessly transitioning from genuine laughs to spine-tingling moments and heartwarming scenes. It's a rare film that hits all the right notes every single second, making it a timeless addition to the holiday movie canon.

The Muppets are at their comedic best in this film, with standout performances from Gonzo and Rizzo as your humble narrators. Their witty banter provides the perfect comic relief without diminishing the gravity of Scrooge's journey (“Boy, that's scary stuff! Should we be worried about the kids in the audience?” “Nah, it's all right. This is culture.”) Kermit and Miss Piggy bring a touching sincerity to the story, adding layers of emotion that resonate with audiences of all ages. Casting the impossibly cute Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim is a stroke of brilliance. I challenge you not to role a tear at his “Bless Us All” song.

What's a Muppet production without memorable musical numbers? The Muppet Christmas Carol delivers on this front with a soundtrack filled with bangers. From the toe-tapping "Mister Humbug" to the heartwarming "Bless Us All," each song enhances the storytelling experience. “Marley and Marley” is just fun as hell to song a long to while "One More Sleep 'til Christmas” and "It Feels Like Christmas" are not just catchy tunes but integral components that elevate the emotional impact of the film. And they fit snugly into your Christmas music rotation. HOW WERE THERE NO OSCAR NOMINATIONS FOR ANY OF THESE SONGS?

While The Muppet Christmas Carol is a near-perfect holiday treat, it's not without its controversies. Disney's Jeffrey Katzenberg's decision to cut "When Love is Gone" from the theatrical release was, in a word, stupid. The song, a moment between Scrooge and his lost love Belle, adds so much depth to Scrooge’s character and to the narrative. Plus, the final song of the film “When Love is Found” is a poignant callback to the song and a reaffirmation of Scrooge’s redemption! Katzenberg thought that the song was “too sad” for kids. THIS IS WHY EXECUTIVES SHOULDN’T METTLE IN CREATIVE DECISIONS. For years, the song was found on home video VHS releases, edited back into the film, so an entire generation of young Gen-Xers and elder Millenials grew up with the song as part of the film. Disappointed abound when DVD releases once again cut the song, only to be found in non-widescreen “uncut” versions. Eventually, the uproar was too much for even Disney to ignore, and the uncut version, including this pivotal song, IN WIDESCREEN is now available on Disney+. Studio executives serve no purpose.

The Muppet Christmas Carol stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Jim Henson, to whom director and son Brian Henson dedicated the film. It proved that even after Henson's passing, the Muppets could continue to captivate audiences with their unique blend of humor, heart, and creativity. The Muppet Christmas Carol is a holiday essential that transcends generations. Sir Michael Caine's unforgettable perofrmance as Scrooge, the seamless integration of Muppets into a classic tale, and a musical score that you’ll be singing long after the credits roll make it a must-watch every December.