The 12 Days of Christmas Movies: Day 8

A Christmas Carol

Mickey's Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol is not a long story by a long shot. It is a quick read and easily made shorter by showing what is described. Unfortunately, this 1988 Mickey Mouse short may have cut too much out for the sake of being 25 minutes. It does rely heavily on previous knowledge of the tale as only the absolutely necessary parts have been kept. As such, it feels rushed but, not incomplete. There's not really a whole lot to say due to it's length.

Rating: 2/5

Bah, Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas

While there have been many versions of Charles Dickens's beloved Christmas tale, few bring me such joy as all my favorite Looney Tunes characters ragging on Daffy Duck for 45 minutes straight. Here, Daffy runs a superstore (closer to Wal-Mart than Target) and viciously mistreats his employees while insulting his customers. Our narrator/Greek chorus is none other than Bugs Bunny here to dispel the notion that rabbits are only for Easter.

Following established beats, Daffy is visited by three spirits whose arrivals are forewarned by Sylvester. In order we see Granny and Tweety, Yosemite Sam and the Tasmanian Devil. All of whom are not fans of Daffy and his ways.

We see how Elmer Fudd can't sleep due to his shifts, Marvin Martian can't go home, Wile E Coyote is starving and Porky Pig can't buy his daughter a present. These moments are sad but, have enough Looney Tunes shenanigans to make them funny. 

By the end of it all, Daffy has changed but, as an interesting update, does have thoughts about reverting back. Some Christmas cookies halt the process.

Rating: 4.9/5

The Muppet Christmas Carol

A classic in every sense of the word. You have the joy of the Muppets combined with literature and a dash of Michael Caine. This is sheer perfection. The Great Gonzo opens our tale as Charles Dickens the narrator. He is the only one who (I think) uses actual dialogue from the book. Everything else is an adaptation/translation. Michael Caine is brilliant as Scrooge and portrays the dark cold heart effortlessly. Period costume of all black helps as well. Kermit the Frog is Bob Cratchit with the Hecklers playing the brothers Marley.

While some may question the use of Muppets for such a serious tale, it does work. The Muppets bring levity and laughter but, not to the more serious moments. Gonzo (and his sidekick Rizzo) leave during the Ghost of Christmas Future action and aren't seen until the finale. They are also sparingly used during the other more intense scenes. The added songs make it fun as well but, respect the gravity of the original story.

Speaking of songs, everyone does well in the singing with the exception of Michael Caine. This is not say he is a bad singer, but rather that he mostly talks in rhythm to the final song. He does it very well.

Rating: 5/5