One of the best modern day versions of a classic - Scrooged. (Scrooged (DVD))

Member Name: Jcapulet

Product:	Scrooged (DVD)
Date:	21/01/09 (12 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Humour mixed with a heart-warming tale.

Disadvantages: Not for all ages.

This is probably my favourite 'Christmas carol' type tale. That said, my daughter nearly freaked out she first watched it since there's an early scene with Santa holding a machine gun !! That scene however highlights Frank's sense of Christmas spirit and all round personality perfectly. This is a modern day version of Scrooge with all the typical characters, Frank ( played by Bill Murray ) plays the traditional Scrooge lead and Claire ( played by Karen Allen ) takes the role of Frank's lost love. This film has the other traditional characters such as Grace ( Frank's employee ) and her son who takes on the traditional Tiny Tim role, plus the three Christmas ghosts and Frank's loyal and patient family.

The main storyline of the film is the same. Frank is a terrible boss and family member, having years ago ruined his chances at love and is visited by three Christmas ghosts. He is able to make amends with Claire, his lost love, have an effect on Grace's son who had not spoken since the death of his father, reunite with his family. It's a typical Bill Murray comedy but traditionalists will probably hate this version i.e it's definitely a feel good film but if you're expecting a traditional version of Scrooge because you enjoy the whole Victoria feel to the Charles Dicken's classic then you may be disappointed. I would say that this is probably not that family friendly unless your children are older than 10 as it's not a Disney-like adaptation in any way shape or form. The Santa/gun scene isn't too child friendly and the actions of the Ghost of Christmas present aren't that child friendly either !! (Especially since the actress who plays her accidently grabbed Bill Murray's lip too hard during filming and the whole filming schedule stalled whilst they waited for Bill Murray's lips to heal !! )

My favourite parts of the movie probably include Bill Murray's Richard Burton impression at Claire's homeless hostel, the few words from Grace's son Calvin at the end and the many one liners from Frank which range from being a tad insensitive to plain mean but are hilarious non the less !! All in all a humourous take on A Christmas Carol that may not be to everyone's tastes !!

Summary: A funny Christmas movie with a more modern twist than your average Scrooge movie.