Christmas Carol: The Movie

The voice cast of this animated British kid flick is an Anglophile's dream: Kate Winslet, Michael Gambon, Juliet Stevenson, Rhys Ifans, and Jane Horrocks, among others. Pity that not a one of them distinguishes him- or herself--in fact, the voice performances are so peculiarly bland that even the usually distinctive voice of Nicolas Cage, whom we're told contributed something here, is un-pick-out-able in the mess. Add in the flat, dull animation, and one has to wonder at the rationale behind this unnecessary remake. Surely, the addition of a pair of nosy, anthropomorphic mice to Dickens' classic story isn't enough to justify it, particularly when one considers that Scrooge (the voice of Simon Callow) seems rather betrayed as a character by their inclusion: why would such a miserable man be mean to human beings but kind to vermin, offering them porridge and a warm pocket in which to sleep? One is tempted to cynically wonder (contrary to the Christmas spirit) whether the film isn't merely a giant advertisement for mega-phenomenon Charlotte Church's song "It's the Heart that Matters" and for "What If," the huge holiday hit tune performed by Kate Winslet. Not recommended. (M. Johanson) [Note: DVD extras include a making-of featurette, the theatrical release's live-action opening and ending (which add precisely nothing to the film), and Kate Winslet's "What If" music video. Bottom line: a scrooge-like set of extras for this miserable version of a holiday staple.]