This film is an adaptation of the work of Charles Dickens. This is a very serious and adult creation, which is a little difficult to imagine in the form of a cartoon. And indeed, this product is not a classic entertainment for children. Perhaps because of this, the tape does not have large fees. But, nevertheless, this is a qualitative story that can impress and surprise.
The plot tells us about an old man who is an incredible miser. He knows nothing good in life except money. And the sight of him makes you feel trembling. In addition, he occupies an important place of the creditor and ask for his help or donation is the last thing. But one day, returning home, the ghost of a dead friend comes to him. He tells him about his hard part and gives our hero a chance to avoid his fate. In order to do this, he will have to see three ghosts. To my taste, it's a pretty interesting and intriguing bundle. Here both elements of realism and fiction are gathered together with mysticism. But the story is not complicated and not difficult to understand. And she has everything to keep the audience focused on her.
First of all, I want to praise the visual and atmosphere of the picture. Specifically, Scrooge's image came out incomparable. We can see every wrinkle on his face and the body structure is perfectly rendered. The animators here have created an incomparable image. And in general, the style of the picture is quite unusual, with a bias towards realism, but it works. Also enjoys the views of the city and curious ghosts. All this is complemented by a harsh atmosphere. Especially the first half of the hour the work is permeated with grayness and gloom. Then, of course, it goes more fun, but it sets the tone and creates contrast, which positively affects the perception.
And of course, it should be noted that content and message play an important role in this creation. It's all about what matters and what doesn't. We see in the example that we need to enjoy life and give joy to others. And the tactic of praying at your own expense and seeing happiness only in them is the way to nowhere. Perhaps the morality is a little simple, but after all the way, it looks convincing.
Over. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for unusual jobs. There is excellent animation, sustained atmosphere and the development of the hero’s personality. I think that each of us will be able to emphasize something or learn something while watching the cartoon.
8 out of 10
A review of the Walt Disney Pictures animated film "A Christmas Story."
- To begin with, Marley was dead. A good start for a Christmas children's cartoon, which is referred to by Disney as a family film.
The story takes place in London, the middle of the XIX century. Christmas is approaching and everyone is getting ready for the holiday except for one old miser, the little one - Ebenizer Scrooge (Jim Carrie). He hates everything, including the holidays. The meaning of his life is like the king of Kaschei stunting over his stock of money. From this unfolds the whole "Christmas story" on the novel of the same name by Charles Dickens.
The first thing I noticed while watching is high-end 3D animation and text, i.e. all dialogues and monologues have not departed from the original. Even without reading the novel by Dickens, it becomes obvious that the script basis, if remade, then at a minimum.
I am sure that many people paid attention to the three-dimensional adaptation of Dickens and what I will add on this topic will probably be the minimum. Robert Zemeckis in collaboration with Walt Disney Pictures invented a colorful three-dimensional image, with carefully drawn details and spectacular camera movements. Filled with grey robes, ghosts, coffins, gloom, human suffering and horror. In this work, one cannot complain about the director, since he made an extremely accurate adaptation of Dickens’ fairy tale and harmoniously combining with modern graphics. Poverty, the gloom of slums, hopelessness – this is a great greeting from the English humanist, who, in real life, was tormented by his characters, the images and voices of which he saw or heard. (The Historical Fact of Charles Dickes) Surprisingly, in the end, this story feels optimistic and kind – despite the oppressive, even somewhere terrifying atmosphere and techniques of a true thriller. This combination of contradictory genres is artistic magic, not every director is subject, Zemeckis managed to make the right impression, and most importantly, make the viewer think about the real values of life on the example of the main character.
The main two stars of "Christmas Story" - comic American actor Jim Carrie, and the actor of Russian voice acting, in my opinion, masterfully playing villains - Alexander Filippenko. I could judge more harshly without knowing Alexander Georgievich in other roles, both on stage and in the movies. But one mystical image of Azazello in the film by Vladimir Bortko “The Master and Margarita” made me admire his acting decisions or as an example, the children’s film by Mikhail Yuzovsky “There, on unknown tracks”, in the role of Kaschei the Immortal, which is why I wrote about the fairy-tale hero earlier. Giving Scrooge his fantastic facial expressions and charm Kerry and the specific tone of voice, do not allow you to call the character negative. Thanks to the talent of Carrie and Phillipenko, Ebenezer Scrooge is perhaps the first 3D character with his own charm, evoking sincere empathy, rather than a sense of playfulness or even worse insensitivity, which very often happens in three-dimensional animation.
Strange as it may be, I didn’t ask myself the moral of the film. It’s not about what audience the movie is for. In my opinion, Dickensian realism in this case can act for the viewer of any age as an educational moment. One has to think about another: the Christian way of preaching good in the plot of the film - through plot twists, although artistically I repeat - they are done perfectly! I will acquit the creators, for how else to put the old little one’s brains in place, but without showing the realism of its entire existence.
P.S. Although the film has an age limit of 6+, I would advise adults to watch it first. Not only for the sake of artistic pleasure, but also so that everyone in something could look at themselves from the outside, reevaluate something, rethink, this has already happened to me.
It's a very real story!
A review of the Walt Disney Pictures animated film "A Christmas Story."
- To begin with, Marley was dead. A good start for a Christmas children's cartoon, which is referred to by Disney as a family film.
The story takes place in London, the middle of the XIX century. Christmas is approaching and everyone is getting ready for the holiday except for one old miser, the little one - Ebenizer Scrooge (Jim Carrie). He hates everything, including the holidays. The meaning of his life is like the king of Kaschei stunting over his stock of money. From this unfolds the whole "Christmas story" on the novel by Charles Dickens.
The first thing I noticed while watching is high-end 3D animation and text, i.e. all dialogues and monologues have not departed from the original. Even without reading the novel by Dickens, it becomes obvious that the script basis, if reworked, then at a minimum.
I am sure that many people paid attention to the three-dimensional adaptation of Dickens, and what I will add on this topic will probably be the minimum. Robert Zemeckis in collaboration with Walt Disney Pictures invented a colorful three-dimensional image, with carefully drawn details and spectacular camera movements. Filled with grey robes, ghosts, coffins, gloom, human suffering and horror. In this work, one cannot complain about the director, since he made an extremely accurate adaptation of Dickens’ fairy tale and harmoniously combining with modern graphics. Poverty, the gloom of slums, hopelessness – this is a great greeting from the English humanist, who, in real life, was tormented by his characters, the images and voices of which he saw or heard. (The Historical Fact of Charles Dickes) Surprisingly, in the end, this story feels optimistic and kind – despite the oppressive, even somewhere terrifying atmosphere and techniques of a true thriller. This combination of contradictory genres is artistic magic, not every director is subject, Zemeckis managed to make the right impression, and most importantly, make the viewer think about the real values of life on the example of the main character.
The main two stars of "Christmas Story" - comic American actor Jim Carrie, and the actor of Russian voice acting, in my opinion, masterfully playing villains - Alexander Filippenko. I could judge more harshly without knowing Alexander Georgievich in other roles, both on stage and in the movies. But one mystical image of Azazello in the film by Vladimir Bortko “The Master and Margarita” made me admire his acting decisions or as an example, the children’s film by Mikhail Yuzovsky “There, on unknown tracks”, in the role of Kaschei the Immortal, which is why I wrote about the fairy-tale hero earlier. Giving Scrooge his fantastic facial expressions and charm Kerry and the specific tone of voice, do not allow you to call the character negative. Thanks to the talent of Carrie and Phillipenko, Ebenezer Scrooge is perhaps the first 3D character with his own charm, evoking sincere empathy, rather than a sense of playfulness or even worse insensitivity, which very often happens in three-dimensional animation.
Strange as it may be, I didn’t ask myself the moral of the film. It’s not about what audience the movie is for. In my opinion, Dickensian realism in this case can act for the viewer of any age as an educational moment. One has to think about another: the Christian way of preaching good in the plot of the film - through plot twists, although artistically I repeat - they are done perfectly! I will acquit the creators, for how else to put the old little one’s brains in place, but without showing the realism of its entire existence.
P.S. Although the film has an age limit of 6+, I would advise adults to watch it first. Not only for the sake of artistic pleasure, but also so that everyone in something could look at themselves from the outside, reevaluate something, rethink, this has already happened to me.
It's a very real story!
Now is the time to watch New Year’s movies/animated movies with your family, and I think 2009’s Christmas Story is the right fit. And most importantly, the plot carries a very important meaning (which may be useful for many to rethink life before the New Year). Especially when the film under the auspices of Disney is my permanent favorite among the creation of magical films.
The first thing I noticed was the unusual graphics for the cartoon. All the characters are as close to reality as possible. Jim Carrey is an actor of the comedy genre, but here his role was by no means funny. Scurrilous and meek Mr. Scrooge at the beginning of the plot appears as unpleasant as possible for the viewer. But as the picture works, there is a noticeable transformation. From a terrible and pathetic old man, he turns into a completely opposite person.
In the cartoon, it is impossible not to pay attention to the loyal, loyal Bob Cratchit, who is ready to work tirelessly. It causes sincere awe from the first seconds of appearance. But his family, home, their family relations – in some moments it was hard and painful to look at them, I confess, even shed tears.
This is not a typical “children’s” story. The film is more for adults or for family viewing. I warn you that there are quite frightening pictures. But still, the thoughts and emotions that this movie carries are worth watching.
And I want to end with the catchphrase: “Goodness always conquers evil.”
Jim Carrey's best role is beyond doubt, except that in real life, the cause of moral shortsightedness is not so much scrupulousness as ignorance. Poverty is a separate topic, as they tend to go side by side, but since the Victorian era, everything has changed so much that neither wealth nor poverty is no longer a guarantor of morality and the risk of becoming a Christmas mockery can affect both the first and the second, although the first, of course, has a better chance of avoiding moral abuse, but at the same time it falls on him more responsibility and what is more immoral, the question, of course, is controversial.
The Christmas song of Charles Dickens was published in 1843, after 7 years of the reign of Queen Victoria, where for his Christmas he could not find a better sacrifice than some elderly, ignorant usurer, who without any Christmas was already one foot in the coffin and through his invented Christmas mystery makes it clear that his blood he will not take to the grave, and reliving all the delusions and nightmares of the past Ebenezer Scrooge becomes kind and silk and most importantly generous.
Of course, children will not be able to understand anything from all this, but what a chic picture turned out and therefore this undoubtedly wonderful and high-quality cartoon worth $ 200 million and in the brilliant performance of Jim Carrey rather for adults than children, but he explains little to adults, but how exciting and qualitatively everything is served, that you can review it countless times and he will not get bored and honestly say who is most distinguished here, Robert Zemeckis with his directorial talent, Jim Carrey with his exceptional acting mimics or still a team of talented programmers who will never show us. A powerful and very high-quality cartoon!
In order to update this picture, you need to wait another three months. But, as Ned Stark said, 'Winter is near' and it freezes out in the evening - so you can start watching winter pictures. This cartoon is on the list of the best for two thousand ninth year and has long wanted to make acquaintance with him, but everything somehow failed. I shouldn’t have done it before, because the film is very interesting and instructive. Next, I will share my impressions of acquaintance and thoughts on this.
This is a Victorian instructive story about the old and fiercely miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who for one night undergoes the test of deep purification. Mr. Scrooge is a financier/money changer who has devoted his entire life to accumulating wealth. He despises everything but money, including friendship, love, and Christmas. The essence of the script boils down to the fact that the inveterate Scooperdy turns into a good person. And this transformation is not strewn with roses. Together with three ghosts, he learns the depths of his moral misery. And I was pleased with that idea. The moral is classic, but it is very non-trivial, which pleased. I'll give you five stars for that.
The visual part of the film is gorgeous. Everything was painted and put together – wonderful! Stunning views of nineteenth-century London, excellent finds with ' span' cameras above, a brilliant idea with a transparent floor in Scrooge's house, through which he is shown various scenes. It all looks even better in 3D (Disney’s first project in this format): this is how I looked at this picture, which I am very happy about. Fantasy is sometimes better than any technology. “A Christmas Story” gives us an incredibly beautiful picture, fantastic camera flights over the Victorian city and landscapes of Old England. But there are downsides to the film. First of all, the main idea, which is almost impossible to believe. The rebirth of an old meek into a generous old man looks absolutely unreliable. An abrupt change in the habits of an elderly person is a far more fantastic moment in the film than all the visions put together. But it's more of a claim to Dickens than to Zemeckis. Another disadvantage of the film is a dark, depressive, sometimes terrible aesthetic. And his story is not particularly New Year’s. The sense of celebration that a true Christmas story should have is not there. Yes, this is not necessary, because I am drowning here for the fact that I liked the film very much and I can not hold on to this thesis, but I can not avoid it either, so I thought it would be useful to express this idea. The incarnation of ghosts really gives a sweet horror, but it greatly diluted the story, not turning it into a sweet fairy tale in the spirit of Disney. I liked everything in the visual. I'll put a five.
Acting. Jim Carrie, who played Scrooge, is amazing. It was a great idea to invite him to the role of an old miser. No one in the world has such fantastic facial expressions, and it is perfectly transferred to the technology of motion capture. So Scrooge in Carrie and Zemeckis turned out to be unusually rich in emotions: the grumbling of an old misanthrope, the anger of a nasty old man, the fright during a visit to a ghost, a whole range of emotions in the process of communicating with spirits, the unrestrained fun of the reborn Ebenezer. Other good actors were also involved in the film - Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, but unlike Carrie, their characters with live actors correlated very little. That Bob is Oldman, I only learned from watching the casting. And the character there turned out to be some Disney animated. Scrooge's nephew, played by Colin Firth, looked like Firth, but nothing more. However, it is possible that the impression was spoiled by dubbing. But in the dubbing Scrooge did brilliantly - Alexander Filippenko himself spoke for him, and I do not know who better than him could so great voice this character.
Verdictating. A beautiful gloomy tape that can frighten the viewer who came to the festive New Year's session. If you are interested, look in 3D - a lot is lost on a flat screen. But everything is cool in 4k TVs, the picture is great, the effects are shooting. I’ll give you the maximum score, it’s been a long time since I was so imbued with the film. I advise you to meet, you will not remain indifferent! Good to you all!
What is important is that Zamekis very accurately adopted that spirit (in addition to the three active ones) of the Victorian era, with all its technological progress and development (decomposition also) of the spiritual life of English society. That is why the film (not the animation) is imbued with a dark mysticism that will be too serious even for some mature audience, let alone for children.
This is reflected primarily in the numerous allegories that the director used. These allegories are sometimes surreal, intricate and multi-valued. And here you can trace the progress of the director in the format of 3D cartoons, where the starting point was a somewhat simple and straightforward “Polar Express”, more like a fairy tale. In “Christmas Story”, everything seems too real and immensely creepy. The main character of the picture Ebenezer Scrooge, undergoes a transformation in one night, turning from a half-bone and grumpy old man, almost like Death, into a ruddy and frisky grandfather. And Zamekis will return to Death in a plot that closer to the middle will already resemble an old parable with all the classical ensuing.
Perhaps this is the case when the atmosphere becomes a decisive factor in the quality of work - there is no problem with this. But the dark hour liner to the all-classic Christmas finale raises some doubts. These doubts are blurred, mixed with the magic of the holiday, and therefore can be interpreted in different ways. This is exciting, confusing, sometimes persistent, but even after a dozen years it looks not without new conclusions ... also age, or what, affects.
7 out of 10
A dark and instructive Victorian story or re-education of a bad man
Fantasy. A screen adaptation of the eponymous novel by English writer Charles Dickens, which I had the honor to read a few years ago, right around Christmas. Now, a little retreat. For several years now, I have started a New Year’s tradition of watching “A Christmas Story” on the last day of the old year, and “Irony of Fate or with a light steam” on the first day of the New Year, and this year will be no exception. But back to the painting. Although filmed for motives, most of the original text is intact, for which Disney is grateful. Now, according to the good old tradition, consider all the pros and cons of this picture.
So, pluses:
1. Set in Victorian London, one of my favorite eras. In general, I like three periods from English history - Norman, Tudor and Victorian. It was an interesting, amazing, dangerous, terrible time. Numerous references, visual style - everything literally in the picture is imbued with this era.
2. An instructive story is about the re-education of a very bad man, who was reminded that good is more valuable than material goods, that good deeds say a lot. When you do good, you become good. And that's just what I can remember in a minute. The picture also carries a lot of conclusions, over which absolutely everyone should think!
3. Gloomy - I confess that the original story was exactly the same, and thank Disney that they did not "whitewash" it to lower the age rating. The picture is saturated with gloom as much as the Victorian era, for only closer to the end the picture becomes lighter. I really like the gloom, but here it sometimes frightened with its similarity to real life.
4. Visual style - this picture is more cartoons, since it was created using the technology of Motion capture, which was actively used by director Robert Zemeikis when creating the picture "Polar Express". Moreover, the picture was shot in 3D, and this is very noticeable, since there are so many plans with snowballs flying at you, various things and so on. I love winter, and this picture warmed my soul.
So, minuses:
1. Frightening moments - children of primary school age definitely should not watch this picture, first because of its gloom, and secondly because of the frightening moments that are throughout the timekeeping. Parents, be careful.
I couldn’t find any more, sorry.
A bit about the main characters:
1. Ebenezer Scrooge performed by Jim Carrey is a rich London gentleman, miser and very unsociable, with a drilling look and a nasty voice. It is he who will be re-educated. Even behind a mountain of animation and sensors, Jim remains Jim! My respects to you, old man. It is a pity that Disney spoiled the image of this character, creating on its basis the infamous Scrooge McDuck.
2. Bob Cratchit performed by Gary Oldman - an employee in the office of Mr. Scrooge, a quiet and modest family man, caring for his loved ones The image is classic, but has not lost relevance. I didn't immediately recognize Gary.
In the end, we have a very dark, frightening, but instructive story of the re-education of a bad person based on the classic work of Dickens but in a cool visual performance of Disney. Happy New Year!
During the film, I thought a lot about what put him in a trance. Maybe he ate ergot bread, or he got hit with a canopy and I didn't notice. The authors did not pay much attention to this point, although I admit that I watched the beginning without hearing the voices of the main characters and could not notice. But it was clear that the old man had not been in a similar situation before, which means that something happened to him the day before.
Another point: how much the old man understands everything and how deeply he hid it all. After all, it was his dream, and all the information – morals and capital truth – was already in his head.
Part 2: About the main character
I see it this way: the old man did the right thing. He always reacted to the signals that the body gave him, or always prioritized his needs. If he had not become meek with such a face (here I wrinkle my face, squint my eyes, raise my upper lip so that my teeth can be seen, opening my mouth as if I were saying “s”), I would not have become rich. And I certainly wouldn’t be able to give money to everyone left and right: children, employees, someone else. When he realized that he had enough money, that he was doing something meaningless, he changed - he became more generous, less inclined to make money. He listened to himself. My moral: do everything according to your desires, inner motives, and always be sensitive to them. And also that you should not do something just because it is right and it is expected of you, while not taking into account your own interests.
Anyway, old man, he's been changing all the time, he's climbing the social ladder, and he's still good. Everyone has nightmares.
Part 3: Generally
The film's impression is something psychedelic and frightening, surreal. Better watch the movie “Love Actually” or the melodrama with Sandra Bullock “While You Were Sleeping.” Cool New Year movies.
Charles Dickens during his long career as a writer wrote many fascinating works, but it was “Christmas Story” that, according to most readers, became his trademark. In his own way, Dickens ridiculed in the pages of the work the London mores that existed in his time, which did not always correspond to the laws of morality. And the most interesting thing is that even a century after the publication of "Christmas Story" was relevant and continues to be so to this day. I decided to turn to her and Robert Zemeckis, who shot in 2009 the most expensive film adaptation of Dickens in history.
As befits to follow the classics, the main character of the film is Ebenezer Scrooge, a greedy businessman who counts every penny. In his life there is no place for simple joy, and the whole existence of the old man is reduced to the increase of his capital. But one day on Christmas Eve, the ghost of a long-dead colleague appears to him, who informed Scrooge that the Three Ghosts would soon come to him and open their eyes to the true state of affairs on our mortal earth.
The first ghost showed Scrooge his past, when he was not yet chasing money and knew how to love.
The second ghost turned out to be the spirit of the real Christmas and showed the fall of Scrooge, however terrible it was.
The third ghost transported the hero to the future, and what he saw there, it was impossible to describe in simple words.
Zemeckis staged his film with motion capture technology and created a cross between feature film and animation. It was not necessary to do this, because this technology has its own strange specifics, and yet “Christmas Story” pleasantly pleased with its visual beauties, great music and great game Jim Carrey, who played here several characters.
My bottom line: Robert Zemeckis' Christmas Story is pretty good. And if you do not pay attention to the technology of shooting, then there is no need to find fault here. Good to see you!
The story begins with Marley being dead. Not a good start to a Christmas story, is it? But this is just the beginning. Ahead of amazing events and the most that neither is a wonderful transformation of the main characters of this film.
Perhaps it is difficult to find a more festive, magical and New Year’s work in all world literature than Charles Dickens’ Christmas Stories. This story was filmed many times and each time it turned out special. The exception was not the animated film by Robert Zemeckis, in which Jim Carrey played the main role. As the film adaptation of this creation without doubt succeeded. The film presents all the characters and characters of the author, the charm of the Dicken text. The pictures are filled with a real spirit of Christmas, wonderful expectations and the beauty of winter London landscapes.
In contrast to everything bright and joyful - the dark and unfriendly world of Ebenezer Scrooge - the slave of wealth and money. Dickens made it a household name, saying Scrooge, we mean miser. But Ebenezer Scrooge is worse than a regular miser. The lust for money dehumanized him, hardened his heart, and blinded his eyes. He's forgotten what compassion is. Money! Only coins make him feel. Even Christmas (“the time when everyone can see his neighbor and love him as a fellow traveler to the next world”) is not able to revive mercy in his heart. He laughs at love and despises those who celebrate Christmas. Swearing, he drives away his only relative - nephew Fred - the son of his deceased sister, who came to congratulate him on a bright holiday. The Lord who gathers alms for the poor will be driven out with the words: Let them die! Our population is already in great abundance! Even the Christmas singers, in fear, fall silent as Scrooge passes by, and the street he walks down becomes deserted and gloomy as his heart.
But even such a person is given a chance to change. The night before Christmas, he is haunted by the ghost of Marley, his former companion and only friend, who died on the same night seven years ago. Full of chains and chains of his sins, an unsatisfied ghost has come to teach Scrooge a lesson as he was in life. "Mercy, generosity, kindness, compassion was lacking," he shouts in despair. It is symbolic that the spirit came exactly at Christmas - a time when you can repent and try to become better.
It may seem that the film is made for children, because it is animated, but this story has a deep philosophical meaning, teaches you how important it is to do good in life. No amount of wealth can escape punishment for sins committed in life. Ebenezer Scrooge has an amazing opportunity to see his entire journey from childhood to death. See your mistakes and, most importantly, correct them before it is too late.
Robert Zemeckis is a wonderful director who gave the audience such films as “Back to the Future”, “Forrest Gump”, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”, “Rogue”, shot two beautiful cartoons about the New Year and Christmas “The Polar Express” and “Christmas Story”. Both films are good and really festive. Zemeckis skillfully created a New Year’s mood in the “Christmas Story”. The picture is very picturesque and beautiful, and the 3D effect adds to its volume and realism.
Zemeckis’s film, like the original work, was able to convey the main essence of the holiday – to unite, unite people, forget about problems for a while, share their love. The moral of the film is simple, but does not leave anyone indifferent. Special feelings are caused by the meeting of the protagonist with the spirits of Christmas: past, present and future. Even such a callous heart cannot resist when it becomes an observer of its childhood, youth, friends of the past, meeting with a beloved. And a tear rolls unruly down his cheek... This is a movie that you watch in one breath. In this story there is no predictable end, until the last minutes he keeps the viewer waiting - what will win: good or evil?
The magical festive music of composer Alan Silvestri, snow swirling in the air with white flakes, New Year’s decoration of houses and the joy of approaching the holiday give a wonderful mood. After watching the film, the soul becomes brighter and happier.
Today, when there are so many terrible events in the world, when people forget that they are, above all, Humans, such films are especially necessary and important for all of us – children and adults.
What first comes to mind, should you think about such a magical and wonderful holiday as the New Year? Beautiful garlands and beautiful decorations that decorate the whole world? Tables filled with various goodies and unchanged olive salad with tangerines and champagne? A Christmas tree with an abundance of toys on it and gifts from the closest ones? For each of us, there is a concept that there is a New Year’s holiday. One of the answers to this question is this film by the famous director Robert Zemeckis.
Perhaps it is no exaggeration to say that Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol is not just one of the most outstanding literary works in history, but actually the foundation of the soul of each of us. Only this can explain the huge number of adaptations of this work by Charles Dickens and their equal success among the audience.
This film directed by Robert Zemeckis is another adaptation of the immortal work of Charles Dickens, which is literally literally transferred to the wide screen. Very carefully, reverently and respectfully treating the original work, as well as minimizing the possible fiction of the creators of the tape. At first glance, a person who has read the original literary work or watched other adaptations of it, the picture may seem somewhat boring. But this view turns out to be completely wrong. Since the director and screenwriter of the film Robert Zemeckis not only deeply understood the soul of this work, but also so personally conveyed it on the wide screen that not to touch the living and not leave a trace in the depths of the soul, the picture when viewing simply can not.
There comes a time in everyone’s life when you have to look back and appreciate the quality of your life. It is this opportunity that falls to the fate of Ebenezer Scrooge, who faces the ghosts of his past, present and possible future. For the first time in my life, I would look back and be horrified. Realizing that wanting to earn all the money in the world, he betrayed and abandoned his beloved, friends and even his own family. Realizing that there are many people who, despite their poverty, sincerely love and care for each other, and their home radiates comfort and understanding. Against the background of all this, literally reborn from a fierce, cynical, rude and ignorant meekness into a very bright, cheerful, altruistic and kind person.
What is the moral of the whole story? Happiness is not in money and money cannot buy it. Happiness is about being with your family, loved ones and loved ones, sharing the best and worst days of your life with them, and just sharing your attention, care and love with them. After all, this personifies the new year and Christmas, which, albeit for several hours or days, but unites the whole family under one roof and at one table. Even those who fail to see each other, meet and communicate even for months. Moreover, the picture teaches how important it is not to lose humanity, to do good and enjoy life. After all, no one knows how much we are allotted, and it is never too late to change and become better.
Completing his “fascination” with this tape with fully animated films created using motion capture technology, the director of this film Robert Zemeckis shot one of the best works in his career. A very kind, bright, vital, piercing, deep and very strong fairy tale, which turned out to be equally relevant and educational for both children and adults. Repeatedly throughout the viewing, touching the living and leaving a trace that will long give about itself in consciousness after the end of the viewing. Especially under the impression of a complete immersion in the image, which showed Jim Carrey. Brilliantly revealing such a complex and ambiguous character in such a way that he would willingly despise the first half and be imbued with sympathy in the second half of the tape.
9 out of 10
Christmas story is definitely one of the best adaptations of the classic and immortal work of Charles Dickens “Christmas song”. Practically transferring the content of the original literary work verbatim, but despite this, touching to the core and producing a strong impression when watching a fairy tale with a deep educational morality. Equally relevant for both small and adults. Even for people familiar with the content of the primary source Along the way, creating a wonderful example of New Year's cinema, which easily recharges the viewer with the necessary festive mood.
PS: I congratulate everyone on the new year. Let all the troubles and misfortunes remain in the past year, and the new year will bring only the most joyful, happy and pleasant moments. Live for the day. Enjoy life and let your family, friends, relatives and loved ones always be with you.
So the world is arranged, there will always be people ready to ridicule a good deed.
In 2009, a new animated picture of the Disney studio A Christmas Story, a three-dimensional adaptation of the classic novel by Charles Dickens, was released into the world.
On the eve of last year’s holidays, Disney Studio presented the audience with the film “Tales for the Night”, which inspires hope that any loser will be able to succeed, and a wonderful force will definitely help him in this. On the eve of the end of 2009, so to speak, the post-crisis year, other issues are relevant, and a completely different morality triumphs - money is not happiness! Anyway, it turns out that Charles Dickens in his distant nineteenth century was absolutely right.
Miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who made a fortune on the misfortunes of other people, has long been nothing but the ringing of an extra coin, is not happy. He refuses to communicate with his only relative, a good-natured nephew, and has no intention of celebrating Christmas. On Christmas Eve, he is punished by ghosts. Scrooge is first visited by Marley's late companion, then spirits of Christmas past, present and future pay him a visit. Uncompromising ghosts throughout the film frighten the old man (as well as the young spectators gathered in the hall), upset him and try to re-educate him.
The plot of the novel by Charles Dickens is one-linear, which is why the story that formed the basis of the animated picture “Christmas Story” is more suitable for children than for adults waiting for intrigue and constant twists and turns. In addition, the picture is strong educational aspect - in some scenes it is visualized and the pointing finger of one of the ghosts appears on the screen. However, despite the efforts of the filmmakers to depict festive London in bright colors, “Christmas Story” is an extremely gloomy picture for young viewers. An additional darkening effect is provided by glasses for watching a three-dimensional movie.
At the same time, the cartoon impresses with the quality of the visual series. “Christmas Story” is probably one of the most intense special effects and technological stunts of animated films of recent times. Director Robert Zemeckis, who gave the world the film “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”, “Back to the Future”, “Forest Gapm” and others, once again confirmed the title of genius of visual effects. What you won’t see in a Christmas story! The most exciting is the numerous flights over London, the most elegant is the almost complete unrecognition of the characteristic acting game of Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge.
Despite the gloomy picture and mystical plot, "Christmas Story" hits exactly the goal - immerses the audience in the atmosphere of the holiday and gives the appropriate mood. At the end of the film, there is a smell of tangerines everywhere and it seems that snow is falling on the street with cereals. Watching “Christmas Story” is a worthy way to harden your nerves and prepare for the start of mass hysteria on the occasion of the coming New Year and Christmas.
7 out of 10
I’ve been trying to write a review for a long time, so why not do it? This is my first one.
I finished watching Robert Zemeckis’ Christmas Story a few minutes ago, and there were some impressions I wanted to share. I have not read Dickens’s story, which is the basis of the film, although I am going to give myself this pleasure in the future. But I very much doubt that it was conceived by the author as some kind of horror designed to scare the reader, ' to cause a sense of fear, anxiety and uncertainty, to create a tense atmosphere of horror or anguishing expectation of something terrible' (quoted from Wikipedia). Because this movie evokes those feelings. Of course, not to the fullest extent that a horror movie would cause, but still... The perfumes, to me, are too creepy. And the metamorphoses that occur to the heroes’ environment and themselves during their travels through space and time are no less eerie. As if this was done not with the aim of re-educating the main character, but with the aim of scaring him, terrifying him, and, accordingly, conveying these feelings to the audience through him. Maybe I'm too soft-hearted, but at some point I, as a 33-year-old man, became uncomfortable, what is there to say about children? Although my rating and age category, I believe, the picture justifies, but still this is not the kind fairy tale that can be seen in the family circle.
I didn’t like the technology at all. Not the movie is for sure, the cartoon is not either, too angular this animation, insensitive something. It wasn't mine.
The story itself is undoubtedly good and instructive. Money and fortune are not the most important in life, you can not take them to the grave with you. Now is not the time when the burial of the deceased lay jewelry, household items and so on, so that they feel comfortable in the next world. And it's even harder to understand people like the protagonist of this story, who doesn't even have anyone to leave the accumulated wealth after he dies. Nevertheless, such people exist. But they also have a chance to change, although not everyone can. As long as you're alive, anything is possible. All good and peace, good movies and Merry Christmas!
6 out of 10
Film adaptations of classical literary works are always skeptical. And the directors' excuses: ' you can't know what the genius really wanted to express in the piece' are often inconclusive. And how do the filmmakers know what the classics have in mind? Such directors are heavily criticized.
But not in this case. Maybe because Dickens’s morality is easy and understandable, since the Christmas song he wrote is first ' a fable in prose ' for children, or maybe because stories are well-known examples of scoundrels sitting in their offices and ' languishing over gold' while children are freezing and starving outside. This picture exposes the many vices of Victorian England. It seems like we have to grieve.
But when viewing embraces wild childish joy. We see people who rejoice in the holy feast. And we rejoice. And the world is changing. Good wins.
The special effects and soundtrack are just divine. When they show a view of winter London from above and play ' God bless us, everyone' Andrea Bocelli is breathtaking. And what are the flights of the main character through the frosty air and numerous vocal exclamations of the characters?!
The graphics are certainly pleasing. With the help of motion capture technology, the characters are drawn perfectly. Sensors write even the slightest fluctuation of the facial muscles, which makes the facial expressions of the characters inimitable. Special thanks to Jim Carrey for the excellent performance of 7 characters.
In conclusion, the film is perfect for both family viewing and romantic dates. And just look to cheer up, you can not go wrong with the choice. If I had the spirit of the past, I would ask him to take me back 7 years to see this movie in 3D in a movie theater. Shot on 10. God bless Robert Zemeckis and you, all people!
10 out of 10
Welcome to the fairy tale. A fairy tale of meaning
One day, on a cold winter evening, my soul asked for something fabulous and kind. After a short thought, my choice fell on "Christmas Story", I was very interested in the poster for the film with Jim Carrey in a very unusual look.
As it turned out, not in vain.
It really is a fairy tale - imbued with the spirit of Christmas and faith in a miracle.
Jim Carrey - very pleased, the role for him is unusual, would not even recognize him, professional make-up artists and computer graphics (where without it in our age of technology) did their job wonderfully, and he did not hit his face in the dirt - Scrooge turned out excellent!
The film looks very easy, but at the same time leaves food for thought after watching, although this is a fairy tale, but a fairy tale with a completely understandable meaning, correct, instructive, in the format in which the idea of the role of material goods in our lives was supposed to be presented. After all, the further we go, the more we become dependent on money, comfort, all kinds of conveniences – forgetting about the most important thing. That no one said, some things for money can not buy, but they are, however, much more expensive.
I see no point in retelling the plot - just want to advise everyone, everyone, everyone, watch this kind, instructive cartoon, watch the metamorphosis of Ebenezer Scrooge and draw conclusions.
This is the first time I’m evaluating this, but for me everything in this film was perfect – you just don’t notice small shortcomings, watching such a really good, Christmas story.
10 out of 10
I do not believe, I do not believe, I do not believe. I don't believe it!
I don't know how to believe that?
What do I mean by "this" and a change in Scrooge's attitude? What did he learn? Got what? Yes, probably only the following: Oh, I am old, I will soon die, I will not take the money anyway, in bulk, but I will share so that I may be buried with dignity, as if I have become better, and therefore worthy of it. It is disgusting hypocrisy, but the death I have seen is even more disgusting.
Um, that's it. You can think of any old man who throws dirt at everyone and then suddenly starts acting nice and good-natured. There is no sincerity in this!! I don't believe it!!
You know what I would believe? Psychologist with Scrooge! And since we have a connection with Christmas, the roots of which allegedly grow from religion, then a psychologist should be a believer (naturally a Christian).
Here I would gladly listen to the dialogue between them, than the indigestible porridge, which was literally conveyed from Dickens’ story. (And I do not detract from the fact that this work deserved praise, deserved, I just did not like the result).
Nor do I understand the ghosts of the present and the future. Listening attentively to the speech of the spirit of the present, it seemed to me with a vague feeling that this was a sarcastic parody of Jesus. It's all over!
And the fact that he died giving way to the next spirit, I'm sorry I thought he didn't go anywhere, just turned into a third spirit. Not just a few, but the same.
Ironically, the third spirit is death. Because in the future we may die before any date.
To fear death is to teach nothing.
And Scrooge learned nothing. I’m sure if he gets tired of pretending to be a pai-grandfather, then his death will be a deliverance from the theater in which he is hypocritical.
In general, all this mysticism only spoiled the good idea of re-educating a bad person (and for a moment an elderly person, and as you know, it has long hardened not to fashion a new one, because this is hard work, almost impossible).
In addition, the meaning of the holiday “Christmas” is simply a strange tradition of people. It doesn’t really show how much it has to do with Christianity. It does not do any good except what people have created for themselves. It's just a drug that takes away their symptoms but doesn't cure their disease.
I pity those who give Christmas so much meaning, making it into an indigestible mysticism. Spiritualism is interesting, but not practical. Just a sick fantasy.
Once again, I was very fond of following Ebenizer Scrooge. He has a hard life like us. But it was not these mystical parishes that could help him, as during epilepsy, but a psychologist - a healer of the soul.
But a Russian person is used to doing this in a drunken company with vodka - the best and cheap medicine with consequences in the form of body treatment and disassembly with the law, when in a drunken frenzy you create demonia.
But the more painful conversations on a sober head - fear, some kind of fear, in any case. (This reminds me of my phobia of injections, but because the doctor got bad in childhood, so other apparently good psychologists did not come across).
Film and story
5 out of 10
And all five scores scored only one Scrooge, whom I sincerely feel sorry for.
Like many people, I wanted to see something festive, kind, fabulous. With the work of Charles Dickens, unfortunately, I am not yet familiar. But thanks to Robert Zemeckis’s “Christmas Story,” I wanted to read the book.
I'll be honest. What grade to put, I thought for a long time. I still can’t say for sure whether I liked the movie or not.
I liked the atmosphere. It may be dark for such a bright holiday as Christmas, but it is at such moments that we tend to think about what is important to us. I liked the idea itself, but this is not the merit of the director, but still the author of the original work, that is, Dickens.
I didn't like the graphics. What is it? Cartoon? But it is done so that we recognize the real actors. So why not just make a movie with them? Moreover, the audience of this cartoon is not at all children. But good, we decided to make a cartoon. Draw completely new heroes. And somehow it didn't. I didn’t care what happened to the main character. Last Christmas? All right. That's what he wants. Perhaps it was necessary to reveal the essence of the character to understand him, why he became this way. There is a desire to worry about it.
So it turns out that there is something to praise, but there is also something to scold. I guess that’s not my interpretation of this book. But thank you to the creators of the cartoon for the fact that I had a desire to read the original story.
“His name is ignorance; her is poverty. People gave birth to them.
But people can also overcome them. Everyone can make the right choice, as well as the hero of this delightful and moralistic cartoon.
After this short introduction, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the creators of the cartoon, including the actors, without whom it would not be so exciting. But about them later.
The cartoon itself, although no, "cartoon" for this, I am not afraid to say, a masterpiece, is too small. So let me call it a piece of art. Here the matter is in its very essence, and in the plot, and in the graphics, and in the message (namely morality) to the viewer.
First of all, the essence. Excellent, though not quite original idea, to connect the positive transformation of the protagonist with the brightest and kindest holiday - Christmas. After all, it is it, as mentioned in the cartoon itself, is a symbol of mercy, kindness and fun. And all this at such a late age, but at such a time, the main character - Skurge learns on his own skin. In summary, the essence is simple – good, morally colored actions and intentions are a valuable part of our lives. If you don’t know them, it’s never too late to change.
And as always in a fairy tale, such magical changes happen on a special day. In this case, it's Christmas. That's where we get to the story. I will try very briefly about it, so as not to deprive the inspiring sensations of the work itself. So, to the most greedy (meaning rich), nasty, squeamish and dissatisfied character (Scurge) come in turn three ghosts - past, present and future - with a moralizing purpose, of course. They clearly show Scrooge how pernicious is the influence of such an obvious dislike of everything good and beautiful, as well as the nature (and most importantly the consequences) of his main vice - greed. From it naturally follow the absence of any desire to help people, and cynicism in judgment. Having appreciated all the poisonous effect of his vices on his life and the lives of other citizens, our hero changes amazingly. We all know which way to go: It's Christmas, isn't it? In general, the plot is quite simple, maybe even primitive, but, God, how many delightful "leads" and nuances that fully reveal it. I just applaud standing up.
Now, the schedule. A great idea of the creators to use the appearance of actors to implement characters in the cartoon. Jim Carrey did not immediately recognize, the thought was suggested by his beloved Colleen Firth.
Of the actors, by the way, only they knew, although others (also, apparently, served as a protégé for their heroes) were also at the level. Jim Carrey, as always, is not imitating. He was remarkably able to convey Scrooge’s condition and character. So let me make a fabulous statement that this is a movie by one actor. Bravo!
And finally, the morality of the cartoon. Honestly, anyone can find it for themselves. But I would put it this way:" There is always time for good deeds and love.” Whether it’s Christmas, another holiday or an ordinary day, it doesn’t matter. 20 years, 40 years, 50, maybe 80 (as a hero, well, about) – no matter what. It is never too late to do good deeds and love. Therefore, I will end the long review with a quote from the film that stuck in my heart:
There's no limit to admiration. It’s more for adults than for younger audiences. After all, only someone who has already gained life experience and met the same people as the main character Scrooge - callous, selfish, thinking only about his profit, can be so imbued with this film that he will watch it more than once and put on the shelf for his favorite films. In my opinion, this wonderful picture of Robert Zemeckis will delight anyone.
This picture is drawn so much that from the very first minutes you will not be allowed to distract from the screen. As for the plot, everything is carefully worked out here and there is simply no need to “scold” it.
It is a pity that I did not go to this cartoon when it was shown in the movie. Because on the big screen and in 3D, I probably wouldn't have floated out of the sea. And not often there are such pictures that make each of us think. But here I have this question brewing: why do such cartoons have such a rating (at the time of writing 7,721) and why it is not listed in the top 250?
Of course, this cartoon will stand on my shelf of my favorite films, which I will watch for a long time.
I want you to know: Don’t waste your time. Come and watch!
Absolutely stunning and amazing in its colorfulness, the cartoon was presented to the viewer by Robert Zemeckis. To this day, I reproach myself for not going to the “Christmas Story” in the movies. The film adaptation of the immortal work of Charles Dickens with Jim Carrey in the title role has become not only one of the most beloved films, but is also a must-see on the eve of the New Year holidays.
Somewhere on January 1-2, waking up early in the morning and comfortably sitting next to a smelly decorated Christmas tree, armed with a glass of mulled wine and a plate with a wide range of salads, it is worth turning on the "Christmas Story" and in the New Year's holiday to plunge into the atmosphere of magic and goodness, enjoy a magnificent spectacle from which both adults and children will be delighted.
Thanks to Performance capture technology, Zemeckis has achieved stunning similarities between animated characters and real actors. In particular, the same Kerry, if you look at the image of Ebenezer Scrooge, very similar to his character - the same pointed facial features, movements and even to some extent a smile. Similarly, Carey Elvis and Gary Oldman - their characters, of which as many as 8 people have accumulated for two, even despite the age of the characters, their appearance and characters, also have similarities.
“Christmas story” although it is a work performed in rather gloomy tones, still remains a bright picture, filled with and imbued with the spirit of Christmas. Along with Gothic buildings and houses, deprived of the benefits of modern civilization, there is an element of festive decoration - who is what is proud; it tells about how Christmas was celebrated in the old days - with noise and dancing, fun, jokes and small talk - how beautiful!
It is incredibly nice to see on the screen people from small to large, rejoicing at the onset of one of the main holidays. This allows you to feel the atmosphere of Christmas, imbued with traditions, to understand that everyone, without exception, believes that with its onset, something will change in their lives, because everyone is waiting for a real miracle that will certainly look into their home. It does not matter whether you are rich or poor, miracles should be enough for everyone.
An instructive story of Scrooge’s life is a hint that a person should experience joy even from small achievements, appreciate moments and life, show care and respect not only to himself but also to others, enjoy every day he lived and, of course, try to do as many good deeds as possible.
I believe that “Christmas story” Zemeckis, filmed according to Dickens, bring to the viewer the traditions of past years, when noisy companies gathered not in order to get a good drink, but to have a nice and good time, enjoy society. At the same time, it does not matter how much money everyone has in his pocket, because before the face of Christmas everyone is equal.
As best as possible, in my opinion, in the Russian dubbing, a voice was chosen for Scrooge - although I do not like Filippenko very much, from the way he competently and professionally coped with his work - in complete delight!
Enjoy your visit.
I wasn’t impressed with Dickens’ Christmas Carol when I read it. It was in his youth, but only in his memory: it was about Ebenezier Scrooge, who was bad and did not celebrate Christmas, but one day on Christmas Eve ghosts came to him and all night shook him, and he became good. Because when a friend said that he enjoyed the movie “Christmas Story”, Googled, raised eyebrows – and it’s also a cartoon, and I do not like them. .
But I still ask my daughter: Let’s see if it’s a Christmas story. - What's that about? - Scrooge. - Scrooge McDuck? - No, Ebenezer, according to Dickens. Wait, that movie where Jim Carrey was used? - Yeah, Jim Carrey's playing there, Vika says, maybe his emotions got there too. Ma-ma! How can you be so dark! Not emotions, but movements. - So the Moove movement? - Yeah, motion capture! “Oh, great mighty truthful free English,” I think.
In the evening we sit in front of the monitor. And he's good at once, the movie. First you try to calculate the plasticity and facial expressions of the actor behind the character. First few minutes. Then you keep looking. The story, which was once perceived as leafy-sentimental, becomes truly terrible (as befits a holy story). Touching (as befits Dickens), but from excess sentimentality cured (thank you Robert Zemeckis).
And that's him, that's him, that's Jim Carrey. In all three ghosts at all ages of Ebenezer. And, yes, motion capcher technology does involve the capture of emotions including: facial muscles that transmit them - part of the motor apparatus. Sad with the ghost of last Christmas, laugh, unable to resist the charm of your favorite actor with the ghost of the present, shudder with abomination at the sight of his disgusting companions. And you come into complete horror, mixed with despondency, when you meet the ghost of the next.
And then, when it all ends well (as the Christmas story should), you realize what a wonderful gift this movie was. Perhaps it makes sense to change the attitude to animated films. At least for those who have been mastered. Thanks.
Oh, it's a pity it's out in November! I want snow, warm fireplace and hot chocolate. To hide in a blanket with some Dickens book and forget about everything. These are the emotions generated by Robert Zemeckis’s “Christmas Story.”
At first, this cartoon was not credible and was put in the box for a long time. How can the creation of Zemeckis not be trusted? Very simple. In the trailer, Scrooge seemed too brisk, not the decrepit old man you imagine, reading the work. And for me it is very important that the film (or cartoon) complements the material on which it was shot (created a beautiful picture and design, so to speak). But I am very glad that I was wrong, and still decided to watch one of the sad evenings “Christmas Story”.
I am glad that the artists managed to reproduce the real atmosphere, which was laid by the author. Winter England looks great! The spirit of Christmas flies in the air - and it's not a metaphor. Painted perfumes here really fly, and they are also very realistic. I don’t know if you can see them at a very young age. Perhaps it is better to wait until they grow up, then the meaning of this story will be understood. And to all those who are older, we ask you to see.
How not to praise actors. Everyone, as always, on top, all facial expressions are familiar. Gary Oldman appears before us in a very touching role, and it is very cool.
I’m so glad that the movie turned out so Dickensian. How beautifully still celebrate in other countries Christmas, their main holiday.
A review for those who have not yet seen this beautiful cartoon. I have to wait for the holiday and once again create this amazing mood. This is what happens when a professional takes on the story of a brilliant writer.
... in the world of a wonderful and instructive tale...
Of course, it would be nice if all the people-redisks came Christmas spirits and showed them their mistakes, and the opportunity to correct these mistakes. But alas, if this happens, it is only evident in old, foggy London. Although, can not be considered the magnificent Robert Zemeckis that spirit?
After all, staging this unique and magical story of Dickens, he on the example of one miser Scrooge, shows many of their mistakes. And the great Jim Carrey shows us, "Well, maybe it's not all lost and you can change a lot." Oh, at least this story reached the adults too ...
After watching the film at home through a laptop, I regretted that as a student I was greedy for money and did not go to the movies. There are so many people here, London! Ah, the picture is really fascinating - the effect of the "real" cartoon was successful. Technically, the film is certainly one of the best in its genre, and watch it at the maximum on the big screen.
In general, a good story, though a little too childish, well shot and told. I think it will fall into the soul of many, but it struck me primarily visually.
8 out of 10
The director of the legendary "Forrest Gump" and a friend of Steven Spielberg himself Robert Zemeckis continues his experiments in the time-consuming process of combining feature film and animation, thereby developing his own style of presentation of material. At one time, a great success fell on Zemeckis’ picture “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, which only confirmed the phenomenal level of the director after the furor caused by the fiction “Back to the Future”. But in Who Framed ..., let’s say, cartoon characters existed separately from the actors, they only appeared on the screen by painted artists. But Zemeckis returned to a similar project, but already shot in a special way, when he released the first Polar Express, and later Beowulf.
It was in the rhythm of “Polar Express” and “Beowulf” that the semi-film / semi-mult film “Christmas Story” was released. It is not necessary to go far in the technical machinations of the studio of Robert Zemeckis, people who are interested in this can find articles that describe the form of creating these tapes. For the rest, it becomes clear that the actor plays his role along with special equipment, which then allows you to transfer all his movements and facial expressions to the graphic plan, and then his character will be drawn by animators using computer programs that allow you to recognize the “Christmas Story” as a visual hologram. The viewer easily recognizes the famous actors who took part in the shooting, so much so that even with some surprise he will accept the specifics of the picture, because, despite the animation, everything will be quite natural. That’s what Robert Zemeckis is all about.
I think that few people do not know the plot of the book written by the great English writer Charles Dickens in 1843 “A Christmas Carol”, when three spirits: the Past, the Present and the Future will visit the famous miser Scrooge in the town on the eve of the holiday and can help him turn into a very good person. This is a classic story, more than once staged in cinema and animation. Robert Zemeckis, who also adapted Dickens' book for himself, did not change the main plot moves, he only drew, so to speak, his vision of a particular situation. Of course, when you read “Christmas Song”, you have a slightly different idea of what is happening than Zemeckis, but the director did not violate the basic principles of morality and philosophy of the work of Charles Dickens, only gave them visual effect, so that not only children, but also adults felt inside this fantastic story. Colorful and elegant – these are the two epithets best suited to the work of Zemeckis and his technical team.
In addition to this manner of shooting and its subsequent processing, it can be stated that the actor does not need to use makeup at all - the right look will give the masters of computer graphics. In addition, the same actor can play his character at different ages. That's how comedian Jim Carrie, who played Scrooge, only showed him in his childhood and adolescence and beyond. Without makeup, hairstyles, costumes, the actor can feel more confident, because all the shortcomings will be corrected. In addition, such a macaroni can show its diversity and various character traits of its hero, which change depending on age. Carrie, who is sure to recognize despite his vulture appearance, brilliantly beat his character. Perhaps he was helped by a costumed role in another adaptation of the classic “The Grinch is the Snatcher of Christmas”. I must say that not only Carrie, for all his facial gifts, played several types of character at once, for example, Gary Oldman also noted this. And in general Zemeckis was a magnificent ensemble: did not fail the opportunity to work with the master Colin Firth, Robith Wright, Bob Hoskins and even Daryl Sabara here, the same boy from the franchise “Spy Children” from Robert Rodriguez.
"Christmas Story" 2009 - is an intriguing adaptation of the classics from Charles Dickens, which combines the techniques of both feature films and animation with the use of special technical developments. It looks easy and after seeing you understand that still this adaptation stands apart from all the others. On the eve of the holiday is suitable for viewing both children and adults, in general, a multi-purpose picture for a large audience.
8 out of 10
P.S.: At the moment, Zemeckis’ latest work in the style of combination, subsequent work “The Crew” and the upcoming release “The Walk” are not associated with animation.
Ebenezer Scrooge... His name has become a national characteristic of the greedy rich, trembling over every penny. His story, told by Charles Dickens, was published by many book publishers, and filmmakers transferred it to the screen several times. This story is about an elderly miser who loves absolutely nothing but a ringing cent in his bank account and continuous work. Christmas festivities turned into an empty pastime for him, and he sits annually on this day on a cold chair by a dull fireplace and pours mud on all slackers who burn blood coins for stupid feasts and stupid fun.
A new adaptation of the novel “Christmas song” in the XXI century was engaged in the popular Hollywood director Robert Zemeckis, who gave the world the trilogy “Back to the Future” and turned our understanding of life with the help of the story of Forrest Gump. On Christmas Eve, an old, grumpy Scrooge sits in his bedroom in front of a dim fireplace and absorbs a nasty-looking porridge. The face does not express emotions of joy, but only static discontent and anger. But on this mundane evening, an otherworldly force bursts in with the face of Jacob Marley, our hero's former companion. It glows blue and is shrouded all over the subject in numerous chains. I am here in case you, Ebenezer, want to avoid my fate. This is your last, only chance. You will be visited by three ghosts. After such a prophecy from an old friend, "A Christmas Story" begins to take a more rapid and fascinating course of the story. The director completely immerses the viewer in developing events, not only beautifully decorated scenery and three-dimensional image, but also beautiful emotional episodes, because of which the drama of the story reaches an ideal level.
One memorable episode is Scrooge’s look at his unimaginable worldview changes when he begins to value a penny more than human feelings and lives. There is no fate in the world worse and more humiliating to me than despicable poverty! I don't know why you're judging me. I'm just trying to get enough! But after many years, such words seem foolish to the aged Ebenezer, ruining his life. In this emotional environment, Jim Carrey perfectly got used to the image of a ruthless businessman. On his face is written hatred for everyone, even for his beloved. The impenetrable armor of earnings enveloped all the emotions and facial expressions of the actor, because of this, his role becomes more penetrating.
You can single out another interesting episode, memorable for its sarcasm and meaning. This Christmas shows the moved Scrooge the house of his nephew, in which he was invited the day before, but in a rude form expressed his refusal to the son of his own sister. In Fred’s company, everyone would be happy to see this greedy old man, but they still make fun of him. Who is the victim of his quirks is only himself. Decided, you see, to avoid us. Didn't show up. As a result, they are deprived of dinner. However, he gave us reason for so brilliant wit that not to drink to him would be black ingratitude. I would like to highlight the character of Colin Firth from the whole company. There is something good and right in it. He is not angry with those who do not want to know him, but only drinks for these people and sincerely hopes that they will eventually change their philosophy. The actor perfectly portrayed Fred's emotions and filled this beautifully thought out episode by Robert Zemeckes with unpretentious fun and a sense of celebration.
Still, the most memorable was the ghost of the coming Christmas, when he chased Scrooge through the territory of fairy-tale London in the hottest places and did not spare his psyche, nerves and tranquility. This action looks bleak. The dynamics of the chase of a ghost on a huge carriage that came out of the shadows looks bright. The director perfectly embodied fear and hopelessness in all these episodes and did not let the viewer miss the end of the timekeeping.
“Christmas Story” is an excellent representative of an expensive dramatic cartoon, in which it is impossible to find stupid and illogical events. There are no funny situations with the characters of the film, everything is sustained in a certain frame, which does not collapse and does not outlive itself with the approach of the end, but on the contrary becomes stronger and better. During the small timekeeping, the film does not cease to amaze with a high-quality and bright picture, which creates the lion’s share of quality for the film. In general, this is a great Christmas cartoon, from which it is difficult to break away, and after the end there is a positive and cheerful mood.
Christmas is a special holiday, on this day there is a magical atmosphere, which is called the “spirit of Christmas”. The film “Christmas Story” is the best way to view this unusual day in every sense of the word.
This picture is an adaptation of the classic novel by Charles Dickens, and the film adaptation is not the first. So what sets it apart from many similar ones? First of all, the cult director is Robert Zemeckis, whose paintings always turn out to be very high-quality and original. Zemeckis, in my opinion, managed the closest (if such a word is appropriate here) to bring Dickens’ work to the screen, his film teetering on the boundary between an ordinary film and an animated film. With this approach, the director was able to perfectly convey the interweaving of fabulousness and realism that was present in the original. This is what the story is about.
No less important in such a film is the acting, which is also good. Jim Carrey was able to perfectly get used to the image of Scrooge and convey not only emotions, but also those changes that occur with his hero in the course of the plot. The presence of such great actors as Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and Bob Hoskins, no doubt, goes to the film only for good.
This film is also unusual for another reason: Disney decided to move away from its usual cartoon genre and create something between an animated film, a dark, Gothic story and a parable. Although most of the paintings of this studio are intended for a children's audience, this one was clearly created in the calculation of adult audiences.
Zemeckis very seriously and carefully approached the transfer of the story to the screen, and I did not see any nuances or plot inconsistencies. The plot and characters are thought out to the smallest detail. All this, together with the cool-recreated atmosphere, helps to convey to the viewer the main idea of this unusual work.
Thus, the film “Christmas Story” is a perfect example of a qualitatively executed film adaptation, which leads the viewer to the obvious conclusion: Christmas is more than a red day of the calendar, for some people it is an opportunity to “be born again”, to reconsider their values and, of course, to become a little kinder and change for the better.
8 out of 10
Let's talk about director Robert Zemeckis. This director made many cult and beloved by many films. For example, Forrest Gump, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Back to the Future trilogy, etc. His name can easily be on the same list with Nolan, Spielberg, Cameron and Gaidai. Since 2004, he has been fascinated by computer motion capture technology. About one of his works in the area of motion capture and I will tell, namely, about “Christmas story”
Plot:
The cartoon is based on the classic novel by Charles Dickens “A Christmas Story”. This story has been adapted many times. There was an adaptation with both the Smurfs and Mickey Mouse, and a modern variation with Bill Murray. But Dickens did the old-fashioned thing. He managed to adapt 90% of the story to fame, without distorting it even once.
Graphics:
Although the graphics resemble a computer game in places, but for this kind of cartoons it is good. For reference, with the help of such technology, Avatar was made, and Andy Serkis played King Kong and Caesar from the reboot of Planet of the Apes.
Actors:
Since this film was created by capturing the movements of living people, then we can say about acting. We have Jim Carrey as Scrooge and Gary Oldman and Colin Firth. Jim Carrey has always played well. Gary Oldman conveyed the image of doomed after death to wander forever Jacob Marley on "hurrah". Well, Colin Firth didn't jump.
Soundtrack:
The musical accompaniment from the permanent composer Zemeckis Alan Silvestri also did not disappoint. All in Christmas spirit and ears do not cut.
Bottom line:
2009's "Christmas Story" is a good example of a film adaptation of a story that doesn't twist the book in any way. This version of the work of Charles Dickens can be seen at the New Year with the whole family.
10 out of 10
Let’s see what Robert Zemeckis’s new project, Reaching for the Clouds, will be with Joseph Gordon-Levitt next year.
A rather ambiguous creation by Robert Zemeckis. Because it is very difficult to define the feeling that this film left behind. Because it is extremely difficult to call a cartoon. Unfortunately, I am not thoroughly acquainted with the original source, so I cannot judge how accurately the film was shot. But, in a distant childhood, I happened to get acquainted with a couple of children's cartoon adaptations (the same "Mickey's Christmas Story"), so the plot is familiar to me.
First of all, it is not clear to me what audience the film is aimed at. To children this creation is simply contraindicated. If I was sometimes a little disgusted, then what about children who are used to laughter and bright pictures. There's neither here. Extremely gloomy mood and atmosphere that only changes in the last 5 minutes. It’s a language that kids don’t understand. No, it is clear what era is the language, but still. And too many deaths per cartoon. It seems to be an extremely long funeral. Completely lifeless film in terms of adapted script. I don’t know what the mood of Mr. Dickins’s original work was, but I doubt that the work that gained such immense popularity was somber and sullen. As for adults, I don’t think they’ll be interested in such a cartoon. I'm not talking about the rest of the audience.
Next — the creators honestly tried to bring a bit of humor, in an attempt to defuse the atmosphere. They tried honestly. And failed miserably. As an example, Scrooge came home and got scared of a door hammer that suddenly turned into the head of his former companion. Eventually, he stumbles and falls on the stairs. As if against the background, even some funny short motive was, say, “it was funny.” But I wasn't funny at all. For the sight of an old man falling on the stairs on a grand scale... tell me where to laugh here. No matter how bad he was at the time. I personally see my own elderly parents in these moments. Would you laugh if you saw your father fall like this? I doubt it very much. The same can be said about other similar moments. Ride on the “cap”, running from the ghost of the Future and so on. It seems that such scenes with a hint of action are made specifically to please the audience. And if the main character was a young man, it would probably be funny. But in this context... it's just low.
Of the advantages, I would like to note the visual component. The animation and drawing are done hurriedly, however, and there is a spoonful of tar. The main characters are drawn well and quite nice, however, the figures designed to emphasize the right moments are something with something. The kids shown by the Spirit of Christmas this year -- who were shown behind bars and in a madhouse -- I'm sorry, but I had a hard time watching this moment. It was just disgusting to watch. The same goes for Jacob Marley's ghost - it looks utterly repulsive. If you talk about Spirits, it's all very nice until their time runs out. This is where a new batch of nightmare begins. The spirit of the past with a hundred tinkering faces, the spirit of the present, fading away, laughing with all his throat with Poverty and Indifference. The only one who has not changed is the Spirit of the future, but he is supposed to be, he is himself gloom and sullenness, and very well realized, not seeming superfluous, so everything is normal here.
The last one is voiceover. The voices are nice, the voiceover is on level, as is the dubbing, but! Yeah, another "but." I didn’t see this movie in the theater, I was evaluating it at home, and I probably did the right thing. To hear Scrooge muttering and the whole hissing of the Spirit of the Past, we had to twist all the speakers to the maximum. And it was awful to hear. But then I was deaf from the background sounds. Most likely, this affects home, not so sophisticated equipment, but the impressions of good at the moment did not add. But, in the negative, it does not go, because you can not blame the sound itself tape. Given the year of release, I have no doubt that everything sounded hurried at the cinema.
What I can say in the end, after a few crumpled reviews – the film is just faceless. He's completely nuts. You can’t show it to your kids, adults won’t appreciate it either. The basic morality of the work is preserved, but it was put on a literally black veil, too dark, sullen and dead for Christmas. Christmas is a celebration of life, love and hope, but much of the film is built on detachment, grayness and death. I love the Christmas song and its morality, but this film adaptation leaves much to be desired.
5 out of 10
Dickens is a peculiar face of the Victorian era. As a true gentleman, he received a typical English upbringing for his circle and many prejudices peculiar to his circle.
Dickens’s creative path is also a way of liberation from these prejudices. Did you know that in Dickens’ day, poverty was considered a crime for which hard labor in a workhouse was supposed to be a lifelong offense? It was generally accepted that poor people were such a vicious breed of people who were corrupted from the diapers and prone to violence, robbery. The era is ruthless and cold as best conveyed in this film, but to modern people it seems just a gloomy story, while Dickens, carefully tried to reach the hearts of his contemporaries and break their seemingly wild for us ideas about the world.
Scrooge, the evil miser, is at the beginning of the film a true son of his era who is only disgusted. He only appreciates profit, has no friends, dislikes his nephew, the only relative he has left. Even Christmas makes him angry. But he was not always like this, and the spirits that appeared on Christmas night remind him of this. They remind him of something long gone. And the little sister he once loved and who has spent & #39; his wish, which his father promised to fulfill for Christmas on Scrooge. Just to celebrate this day with his family at the common hearth. And the first love he lost because of money and people who were kind to him when he was poor and young.
It is likely that these feelings from the past, such as joy, compassion and mercy, allowed Scrooge to change the future, and the story of Scrooge, allowed Dickens to change the future of society.
'The Christmas Carol' is one of the most popular Christmas stories in the world. And this screen adaptation, very accurately to the text conveys the meaning of this small, but very voluminous in the sense of the work. I think that centuries later this book will be read to their children and grandchildren under the Christmas tree.