I cannot believe that I have never written an entry about this!!! It is by far one of our VERY favorite Christmas movies, and if you haven’t gotten a chance to see it, then watch for it! I am hoping that at least one network of the 100s of networks which now exist airs it this holiday season. (And, good news… Yesterday I saw it in my local Blockbuster store!)
Our children grew up during Jim Henson’s later years, so we were treated with many, many hours of WONDERFUL enjoyment… be it in the form of Bert and Ernie on Sesame Street, or in some of the particularly wonderful Jim Henson (later the helm was taken up by his son Brian) holiday movies. The Christmas Toy, A Muppet Family Christmas, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and, there was even an Easter movie with the Muppets.
The Muppet Christmas Carol is a Jim Henson production, directed by his son (Brian Henson) with Michael Caine contributing his wonderful acting magic as Ebeneezer Scrooge. Kermit and Miss Piggy excellently portray Mr. & Mrs. Bob Crachit. (Only in dreams and movies does Miss Piggy finally get the part of Kermit’s wife!) Gonzo serves as our “guide” through the movie, and he is very effective in that role… but Rizzo, steals their scenes as Gonzo’s companion for the fateful night’s ride through time.
I don’t want this entry to make it sound like this movie is a children-only type of movie. I know that a lot of people may be turned off thinking this is a watered-down version of the Charles Dickens Christmas novel. Far from the truth!
This is quite simply our very favorite Christmas movie… and now that both of our children are in their 20s, I think it’s safe to say that all four of us have adult tastes. But, at the same time, The Muppet Christmas Carol was also a favorite of our family when it came out years ago, when our children were under ten. It is a movie that all can enjoy. And, the music is just what you would expect from the wonderful Paul Williams… who, incidentally, appeared several times with the Muppets. I am writing this during the beginning of November, it has been over a year since I last watched The Muppet Christmas Carol, and I am humming some of the songs as I type this… The songs are that good!
I was just thinking of the people who might not enjoy this movie, and, could only come up with a few… and to them, I say simply: Bah! Humbug!
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Laura says
Danna: I totally agree with you on this! My children are in their 20’s and we have fond memories of Jim Henson’s shows. We watched them together and Henson was smart enough to know that he needed to entertain the parents, as well as, the kids. Let me add one more Henson movie to your list: Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas.
Jan says
I agree! It has remained one of our family favorites and our kids are in their 20s too 🙂
Best Christmas Movies says
I remember going to see it at the cinema when I was 13 – one of the best remakes ever. I’m now thinking it should have made our top 10 list. Maybe next year!
Judith says
The Muppet Christmas Carol is one of the movies I watch every year – and not just because I love the Muppets. It is remarkably true to the spirit of the original – even with Muppets as characters. I just saw the new Jim Carrey Christmas Carol which is mostly true to the original story (it goes a little over the top with Marley’s ghost and it so did not need to add the chase scene at the end) – but I’m still going to go back to the Muppets and their heart.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hi Judith,
Last year was the first year that I thought I wouldn’t watch the Muppet Christmas Carol. My daughter convinced me that it just wouldn’t be the holidays without it >>> so we watched it. And, she was right! I love that movie!
JoDee says
So pleased to see this included in your lists. I adore this movie and watch it every year if possible. I wish there was a way to let people know how good it is.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
JoDee, we love The Muppet Christmas Carol in this house! I cannot recommend it enough!