Of course, it’s the ultimate Christmas film and while genuinely fun any time of year, now is the time to watch it, so here’s some reasons why I love The Muppet Christmas Carol…

Capturing the life, love and spirit of Christmas, The Muppet Christmas Carol is, of course, adapted from the timeless Charles Dickens novel (with some of the finest uses of the original source material) which was originally intended to be directed by the genius of Jim Henson but after the sad and untimely death of his father his son, Brian Henson, stepped into those huge shoes and it worked beautifully, both as a homage to the spirit of his Dad and a celebration of The Muppets with a timeless movie suitable for all the family.

And what makes this particular version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ extra special is exactly how it appeals to children and adults alike. Keeping that Dickensian core of the importance of character and narrative, it’s told by Gonzo the Great as Charles Dickens and a proud, wise-cracking assistant Rizzo the Rat, who enables the viewer to enjoy a fine balance of merriment and mysterious.

In the film, we’re first introduced to Scrooge, a miserable and callous man, played impressively and imposingly by Michael Caine in true Muppet style via the medium of song called ‘Scrooge’ with wonderful lyrical play such as: “Oh! There goes Mr. Humbug, there goes Mr. Grim, if they gave a prize for bein’ mean, the winner would be him!” and, as an example, it’s made very clear that our lead gloomy soul won’t even stretch to another shovel of coal for his physically cold rat workers, even though Kermit asks nicely, leading them to hit an unexpected, but witty, repost in Hawaiian gear singing “This is our island in the sun!” and it’s a visual treat!

Of course, this is very much the beginning of his journey. Over the course of the night, he’ll be visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future and here’s where production alongside Henson’s directorial talents come further into play. First up is the animated and eerie, ghost-like child showing Scrooge his past. Then there’s a huge, jolly and giant creation that shows him all the edges of good things at present but, before Scrooge gets comfortable, we swirl into the future and his night is concluded with a deathly, cloaked and extremely unnerving ghost of Christmas future, where the latter truly hits homes for Scrooge, when he realises he needs to change who he is before any premature demise.

For most of us who know the story, it’s so brilliantly realised and – it must be said that – the entire wealth of Muppets involved are perfectly placed for their roles. There’s the well-known theatre dwelling Statler and Waldorf as Scrooge’s ex-business partners Marley and Marley who literally scare the frail old man with chains of regret. There’s singing vegetables, charming families of mice begging for more cheese[es], and don’t forget the annual Penguin Christmas skating party and Kermit’s spin on the ice. We all have our favourite moments, there’s never anything better than the relationship between Gonzo and Rizzo, and who doesn’t love it when the former lights the latter, instead of his night lamp – leading Rizzo to the quotable killer “Light the lamp, not the rat, light the lamp, not the rat!!” – all before he’s shoved off into a frozen bucket of ice.

And, always present, Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit married to Miss Piggy with all their frog/pig (froigs?) offspring, as well as the consequential good fortune that will eventually come to everyone for Scrooge eventually changing his ways. There’s also many special Muppet touches like Sam the Eagle saying ‘It’s the American way…’ and getting a nudge to change it to “It’s the British way!” plus never forgetting Rizzo kissing Gonzo on the nose to apologise after he jumps off the top of the gate, which looks like a puppet ad lib, and is perfect.

The Muppet Christmas Carol is the epitome of a perfect family film that transcends that adult and child boundary in storytelling and film making. It also reminds us of the hopeful meaning of this holiday season, which is about giving, charity for those around us, family and positive possibilities for coming year ahead. So, yes, if you’re a newcomer then you’re in for a treat because if you don’t love The Muppet Christmas Carol and everything it has to offer then Bah, Humbug! (But you will!)

Watch The Muppet Christmas Carol now: https://amzn.to/3KRrMPE