December Review Part 1: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) (Patreon)

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) feels like Christmas. A reimagining of a classic story that maintains the moral lessons of the original text while poking fun in the unique way the Muppets do, this film has been a classic in the Ricciardi household for years, and as such, I may be a bit biased in how much I enjoy this film. 

Disclosures aside, The Muppet Christmas Carol stands as an exceptional entry into the Muppet-movie catalogue. The Muppets, as puppets, are uniquely suited to the brand of commentary and humor used throughout their adaptations. Sure, any cynic could point out the sillier elements of a text, but only Rizzo the Rat could make it charming. In similar fashion, the narrative device of having Gonzo, oh wait wrong name, "Charles Dickens" guiding us through the often fantastical carol not only serves to make the story understandable for younger viewers, not only breaks up the pacing to make it better suited for a film format, but is also incredibly charming. The Muppet Christmas Carol succeeds not in spite of the Muppets, but because of them, it's source text just familiar and straightforward enough to allow for the zany antics to blend into the experience and contrast it as appropriate. 

The Muppet Christmas Carol may be beloved because of the "Muppet" in the name, but the "Christmas Carol" element is equally important. Admittedly, I am not the biggest fan of the original story. In the US, it is an inescapable part of the holiday season, and while that cultural impact can't be ignored, it also can be grating. Despite my disillusionment, this version of the story never grows old. You'd think the Muppets surely must be wholly overshadowing their source material in order to make it fun. Instead, The Muppet Christmas Carol celebrates the original story. It is one of the most text-accurate adaptations, and the story itself is treated with a seriousness best exemplified by the sheer panache with which our token human, Michael Caine, grumbles and "Bah Humbugs" his way through Scrooge's fateful Christmas Eve. The Muppets never make a "Christmas Carol" into the "Muppet Show", instead they slot into rolls where their existing traits fit the simple characters of Dicken's world, and let the heart of the original story shine through, a moral lesson only made endearing by the accompanying antics and memorable musical numbers.

Before concluding, I would be remiss if I did not discuss the "lost" musical number, "When Love is Gone", as in recent releases it has been optionally included for viewers. While watching for this review, I opted for the version including "When Love is Gone". While I find it to be a perfectly lovely song, I can see why it was cut from the original release, as it's inclusion drags out an otherwise short, relatively less important scene, throwing off the pacing of the second act slightly. Ultimately, I would suggest skipping this extended version, unless you have a particular curiosity about this "lost" song. 

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) is a charming, festive inclusion to anyone's holiday lineup. Whether you grew up watching it or are just hoping to "Feel Like Christmas", The Muppet Christmas Carol invites you in, offers you the finest turkey in the shop window, and warms your heart. Or at the very least, saves you from being chained up with Statler and Waldorf for all of eternity!

9/10 Christmas-related Ghosts