Scrooged - A Movie Review

I’m going to get Christmas Caroled? Is that really a thing?

Scrooged appeared in theaters in 1988, based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Frank is visited by three ghosts. Showing Frank significant moments from his past, present, and future, he learns a valuable lesson.

It’s fascinating what you can create with a concept that’s been around for centuries. Scrooged resurfaces the classic Dickens novel in this comedy. This film always makes me laugh. Scrooged talks about having your best life, instead of holding onto the past.

Bill Murray improvised most of the film. Murray is always a standout in comedy, especially his trademark deadpan sarcasm. Frank is a jerk who refuses to give anyone a break, especially on Christmas Eve. Taken back to several key memories, Murray was excellent with the character's emotional arc. He has a great ability in expressing vulnerability.

The ensemble for any Christmas Carol film has an important role. Returning back from the dead, John Forsythe’s (Lew Hayward) crippling makeup is both creepy and unimaginable. I wish we could have seen more of zombie Hayward. No matter how small your part is, make it memorable.

Taken back to his past in a reminiscent Back to the Future way, The Ghost of Christmas Past is not what you think. David Johansen put in all the snark for his performance. I always laugh when he fails to warn Frank that he can’t evaporate through a door as he can.

Carol Kane has a ball in her portrayal of Christmas Present. Murray had to talk her into beating him up because Kane was afraid to do so. By accident, she tore Murray’s lip forcing filming to stop for a day!

The part of Cratchit is changed from the book. Splitting the roles between Alfre Woodward (Grace) and Bobcat Goldthwaite (Eliot Loudermilk), writers incorporated significant parallels. While Grace quietly abides by Frank’s orders, Eliot responds violently.

All of Murray’s brothers appear in the film. More credits include Karen Allen, John Glover, David Johnson, and a brief appearance by the late Anne Ramsey. There are a lot of cameos.

The making of Scrooged was reportedly not a smooth ride. Murray and the late Richard donner had creative differences. Scrooged is an enjoyable film. The message is still the same. You can never take that away from A Christmas Carol.

Scrooged is a modern touch-up. You always need to make innovative and modern changes to any story. Everything about Scrooged is original. Finding new methods to change any story or its characters is a good idea.

Special effects were incorporated well. From the first time I watched Hayward squeeze Frank through a window, I wanted to know how they did that.

Critics panned Scrooged when it was first released. Comedy is not everyone’s cup of tea. Scrooged is loud in contrast to the subtle atmosphere of Dickens’ novel. I agree that some of the jokes run on or are forced, but I like Scrooged for its creative modifications.

Why does everyone say that the ending is cheesy? That’s how Christmas Carol is. The ending of Scrooged is my favorite. Frank’s speech to his team and viewers is humbling. Christmas brings people together. Scrooged says it the best by having everyone merrily sing a festive tune.

Life is all about decisions. Decisions are not always easy. Make decisions that are wise for you. Keep living in the present without fretting about past events or the future.

I like to watch Scrooged in December. The jokes and Murray’s trademark comedy always make me laugh. Put it on your Christmas movie list this season.