The Muppet Christmas Carol

Brian Henson does his dad proud in this, the first Muppet feature filmed after Jim Henson's death. All the things which have made the Muppets appealing--charm, humor, tenderness--are very much in evidence in this adaption of Charles Dickens' much-retold classic.

Michael Caine fills the central role of Ebeneezer Scrooge admirably, throwing himself into the part with much energy and gusto. Familiar Muppet faces take up several roles--Kermit and Miss Piggy as Bob and Mrs. Cratchit, Robin as Tiny Tim, elderly hecklers Statler and Waldorf as the Marley brothers (Dickens' character Jacob and original creation Robert)--with new Muppets designed for the roles of the three Christmas ghosts. The result is a somewhat fanciful 19th-century London where humans, animals, talking vegetables, and various undefinable creatures live side-by-side. In spite of potential complications the concept works very well, thanks to the spirited performances by both actors and Muppet handlers.

Gonzo (adopting the persona of Dickens himself) and Rizzo the Rat narrate the story and add a healthy dose of humor to the proceedings. But the film knows when to be serious--the climactic scene focusing on Christmas Yet to Come is as eerie and touching as it should be. And ultimately, the resolution leaves one with the warm, peaceful joy synonomous with the season. Definitely a movie which deserves a place among the family classics of the holidays.