Love Charles Dickens's work, and respect him highly as an author. As said in my recent review for 2017's 'The Man Who Invented Christmas', 'A Christmas Carol' has always been my personal favourite of his, it was my first exposure to him and the one that is the most frequently re-visited. It is similarly the quintessential Christmas story and this is evident by how much it's been adapted and how well served on the most part it is (with a few exceptions), the Alastair Sim and George C. Scott versions in particular.
There are many great, even classic, animated Christmas specials, like the best of Rankin/Bass and 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'. 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol' is, as well as one of the first (the first?), among the best ones for me and one that has always held dear to my heart. This is not nostalgia talking that it clouds my judgement, have seen childhood favourites that have not held up well, 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol' does and splendidly.
All the important details are here and it captures the spirit of the story perfectly, so it doesn't disappoint as an adaptation even with its own spin (very like the Muppet and Mickey Mouse versions of 'A Christmas Carol', also have a fondness for them).
'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol' fares quite well in the animation. It's not amazing and it's more simple than lavish, but it's at least appealingly drawn and has a lot of atmosphere and colour. Even better is the music, the score is whimsical but also atmospheric and the various songs are very well done. Although a singer and consider music an essential in my life, part of me also can be picky and expects a lot. "We're Despicable" and "All Alone in the World" are particularly good, while carol favourites "Joy to the World" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", Christmas is not the same without them, are always welcome.
Furthermore, the writing is very funny, as well as heart-warming and very touching, like 'A Christmas Carol' should be. 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol' adapts the story incredibly well, despite having Mr. Magoo in it the spirit of the story is intact as well as its heart and the impact of the best scenes.
Parts are amusing, others are scary (Jacob Marley and especially the Ghost of Christmas Future) and others truly wrench the heart (always tear up during "Alone in the World" and at the end). The portrayal of the Cratchits avoids being too cloying.
Every one of the characters are very strongly portrayed, Scrooge's development and change of heart are incredibly believable and not rushed in any way when it is so easy for Scrooge to show signs of changing too early. The voice acting is top notch, with Jim Backus achieving a perfect balance of crusty and emotive. Royal Dano is an eerily effective Jacob Marley and Jack Cassidy endearingly humble. Veteran Paul Frees similarly shines and doesn't sound over-parted in multiple roles.
In conclusion, a classic animated festive favourite. 10/10 Bethany Cox
There are many great, even classic, animated Christmas specials, like the best of Rankin/Bass and 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'. 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol' is, as well as one of the first (the first?), among the best ones for me and one that has always held dear to my heart. This is not nostalgia talking that it clouds my judgement, have seen childhood favourites that have not held up well, 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol' does and splendidly.
All the important details are here and it captures the spirit of the story perfectly, so it doesn't disappoint as an adaptation even with its own spin (very like the Muppet and Mickey Mouse versions of 'A Christmas Carol', also have a fondness for them).
'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol' fares quite well in the animation. It's not amazing and it's more simple than lavish, but it's at least appealingly drawn and has a lot of atmosphere and colour. Even better is the music, the score is whimsical but also atmospheric and the various songs are very well done. Although a singer and consider music an essential in my life, part of me also can be picky and expects a lot. "We're Despicable" and "All Alone in the World" are particularly good, while carol favourites "Joy to the World" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", Christmas is not the same without them, are always welcome.
Furthermore, the writing is very funny, as well as heart-warming and very touching, like 'A Christmas Carol' should be. 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol' adapts the story incredibly well, despite having Mr. Magoo in it the spirit of the story is intact as well as its heart and the impact of the best scenes.
Parts are amusing, others are scary (Jacob Marley and especially the Ghost of Christmas Future) and others truly wrench the heart (always tear up during "Alone in the World" and at the end). The portrayal of the Cratchits avoids being too cloying.
Every one of the characters are very strongly portrayed, Scrooge's development and change of heart are incredibly believable and not rushed in any way when it is so easy for Scrooge to show signs of changing too early. The voice acting is top notch, with Jim Backus achieving a perfect balance of crusty and emotive. Royal Dano is an eerily effective Jacob Marley and Jack Cassidy endearingly humble. Veteran Paul Frees similarly shines and doesn't sound over-parted in multiple roles.
In conclusion, a classic animated festive favourite. 10/10 Bethany Cox