Scrooged is the Best Holiday Comedy Movie
Bill Murray Stars in a Hilarious Version of A Christmas Carol
Nov 9, 2009
Directed by Richard Donner, Scrooged is a masterpiece. No Christmas movie shelf should be complete without Scrooged front and center. The movie has a wonderful, skilled cast and turns a classic novel upside down. While there is some mature language and a bit of nudity, most children should be fine. The vulgar jokes easily pass over kid’s heads, but the movie has enough slapstick to keep them happy. Adults will find love this movie as well, but watchers of every age will be filled with the Christmas Spirit, if they can feel it through their laughter.
The Plot of Scrooged
Frank Cross, played by Bill Murray is the very definition of a “Scrooge”. He runs a TV company and could care less about the upcoming Christmas. His personality is summed up when his secretary, Grace, (Alfre Woodard) makes a list of gifts Frank is giving that year. Most of them, including his only brother, are put down for a towel. If that isn’t enough, an old woman has a heart attack after viewing the commercial advertising Frank’s new Christmas movie. He’s glad because the news of her death will improve his ratings. But just like Ebenezer Scrooge, Frank Cross is visited by three ghosts who try and show him the true meaning of Christmas.
The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future
The first ghost to pay Frank a visit is Christmas Past, a crazed taxi driver played by David Johansen. He takes Frank to see his childhood, when he met his girlfriend Claire (Karen Allen), and when they broke up. A depressed Frank is left to the abusive Ghost of Christmas Present, played by Carol Kane, who takes equal pleasure in showing him the fun he’s missing on Christmas Eve and injuring him in creative ways. The towering, silent Ghost of Christmas Future shows Frank his effect on the world and leaves him broken.
Tiny Tim and Christmas Miracles
Calvin, the son of Grace, is the Tiny Tim of Scrooged. He hasn’t spoken a word in years and unless Frank learns the meaning of Christmas, Calvin will end up in a mental institute, still silent. Christmas Eve morning Frank fires a hopeless employee (Bobcat Goldthwait) who returns with a gun and a thirst for revenge. Even if Frank survives three ghosts, he might be taken down by the bullet of a disgruntled employee. To make his life even harder, his network is broadcasting a live version a A Christmas Carol that will make or break Frank’s career.
A Star Cast and Fantastic Holiday Movie
In addition to Bill Murray and Carol Kane viewers will see John Murray, Robert Goulet, Lee Majors, Brian Doyle-Murray, Joel Murray, and Jamie Farr. This all-star cast makes the 1988 Scrooged, already boasting a wonderful script, a hilarious movie. As far as remakes of A Christmas Carol go, Scrooged should be right at the top of that list.
HOL101
 |
