A Christmas Carol
One film (or special) that I always look forward to watching each year around Christmas time is the classic tale of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol. Which one? All of them! I love all versions. Each one always brings a unique take on the Dicken's classic, mainly because they all tell a story that is timeless, thoughtful, and unforgettable. With all the characters ranging from Ebenezer Scrooge to Tiny Tim, and the chilling appearances of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, it's hard not to enjoy this holiday story.
People seem to think that the message of the story is to be good, generous, and joyous around the holidays, but that's not true. The point each of the visits by the spirits is to ensure that Scrooge becomes a much better person that is good, generous, and joyous through every passing day until the end of his time. That's why his transformation towards the end is so phenominal.
There are many different versions to this tale. You have the 1951 version with Alastair Sim as Scrooge, the 2009 animated one with Jim Carrey, the 1999 one with Patrick Stewart, the Muppets version, the Flintstones, Mr. Magoo, Blackadder, Doctor Who, Mickey Mouse and Scrooge McDuck, and the parody film Scrooged with Bill Murray. But the one that's probably my all-time favorite would have to be the 1984 version with George C. Scott as Scrooge. It's the one that tends to come to mind whenever I think A Christmas Carol, and it captures the novel pretty well.
Live-action, animated, even with puppets, A Christmas Carol is perfect anytime for any generation. It's the timeless story that warms my heart to no end.
Which version of A Christmas Carol is your favorite?