Scrooged (1988)
Laura’s Rating: 2.5/5 Stars
Scrooged is a far departure from the original Dickens tale. Besides the goofy overall tone, the names and roles of the characters are modernized and the lines directly taken from the book are few, if any. I did enjoy that the movie featured several versions of A Christmas Carol playing on tv sets throughout, as a shoutout to more classic versions of the story.
The Analysis:
Bill Murray plays Frank, a top TV executive who shoves his ideas on others, fires people without a second thought, and cares not for his fellow man. In this modern adaptation of A Christmas Carol, Frank plays the role of the greedy and selfish Scrooge, with his struggling secretary, Grace, taking on the role usually filled by Bob Crachitt. She has a large family to provide for and a mute son, who takes the place of Tiny Tim in this version of the story.
After Frank’s lack of compassion has been showcased to the audience, his deceased former boss comes to confront him at his office and warn him not to waste his life. The phone in Frank’s office then dials itself, calling a woman named Claire. Frank and Claire were once romantically involved but Frank selfishly put his career above their relationship. The ghost of Christmas past, a crazy taxi driver, takes Frank to see his parents during his childhood, a memory that does not appear in other versions of A Christmas Carol. There is also a larger focus on Frank’s lost love with Claire. The second ghost is a ditzy fairy who I found obnoxious, making her section of the film a struggle to get through. The final ghost is more of a traditional portrayal of a large, looming figure in dark robes showing a potentially bleak outlook for Frank.
I found much of the movie to be rather campy and over the top. Murray is just on the edge of overacting and the couple of likeable supporting characters are overshadowed by the multitude of annoying ones. Frank’s primary motivations are also a bit off. He seems to be along for the redemption ride for almost purely selfish reasons: to win back his girl and to get feel-good satisfaction from doing charitable deeds. My rating would be lower than 3 stars for this movie, except for the fact that it manages to still have a heartwarming and fun ending.
In talking about Christmas Eve, Frank says, “We all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier, we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year, we are the people that we always hoped we would be.” This quote is a modern interpretation of the spirit of kindness and generosity that the central story of any version of A Christmas Carol always emphasizes. This is not my favorite adaptation of the holiday classic, but it serves the same purpose of opening our eyes to what is important, while providing some laughs and entertainment.
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