Classics: A Review of The Muppet Christmas Carol By Lauren Ennis

 The trees are alight and spirits are bright, Christmas must be just around the bend. For embittered Ebenezer Scrooge this holy day is nothing more than a "poor excuse to pick a man's pocket every December the twenty-fifth". In 1992's The Muppet Christmas Carol, however, Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas with the help of three spirits and a little Muppet magic. This year join the Muppets in a family adventure that will leave you keeping the spirit of Christmas all year long.

With the ominous declaration that "the Marleys were dead to begin with..." the film launches into the beloved tale with Gonzo and Rizzo as our guides. Miserly money lender Ebenezer Scrooge manages his lending firm with ruthless efficiency as he faces another Christmas alone. When night falls he is met with the ghosts of his amoral former business partners who have been sentenced to an eternity of suffering as punishment for their sins on earth. The ghosts warn him of the fate that awaits him should he fail to learn from their mistakes and inform him that he will be visited by three spirits, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future before dawn. With the arrival of the sprightly ghost of Christmas past Scrooge is launched on a redemptive journey into the depths of his own soul that serves to remind us all of the true meaning of Christmas.

The film accomplishes the daunting task of breathing fresh life and new meaning into the yuletide staple. Rather than parodying the original, the film offers an homage to Dickens the likes of which only the Muppets could provide. Through its blend of the flair that made the Muppets famous and the somber tone of the source material the film delivers a unique take on the Christmas classic. Through its exploration of such weighty topics as poverty, regret, mortality, cruelty, trauma, and alienation The Muppet Christmas Carol is easily the darkest film in the Muppets canon. Rather than shying away from its darker content, however, the film remains largely faithful to Dickens while using music and gentle humor to convey its serious subjects in a way that children can process. As a result, the film sets itself apart from both the Muppets earlier, zanier, works and other adaptations of A Christmas Carol. For viewing that is sure to leave viewers of all ages with a 'grateful heart' spend your Christmas with the Muppets in The Muppet Christmas Carol.

The film transports viewers to its whimsical version of Victorian London thanks to the endearing work of its cast. Steven Mackintosh embodies roguish charm as Scrooge's cheery nephew, Fred. Meredith Braun is lovely in her equal parts vulnerable and resilient portrayal of Scrooge's former fiancée, Belle. Michael Caine turns in one of the most memorable depictions of Scrooge in modern cinema as he expertly captures Scrooge's redemptive journey with full gravitas, all while acting alongside a cast of puppets. The vocal performances and puppeteering combine to bring the Muppets signature charm to the screen. Steve Whitmire earns particular note for his work as Kermit in the wake of the death of Jim Henson.

At once a faithful adaptation of the classic tale and a whimsical adventure the likes of which only the Muppets can provide The Muppet Christmas Carol has become a Christmas classic in its own right. Through its by turns heartfelt and humorous script the film offers a family friendly introduction to Dickens that is certain to entertain viewers of all ages. Through the expert blending of the Muppets' larger than life personas with excellent live action performances the film brings the beloved tale to life with all of the charm, warmth, and good cheer of a Christmas morning. This Christmas curl up with Kermit and the gang in The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Classics: A Review of Hugo By Lauren Ennis

 No matter how bleak life may seem there is always a light waiting to warm, comfort, and inspire you at one the screen of the nearest cinema. In 2011's Hugo Martin Scorcese leaves the gangland behind for the charm of Paris and the magic of the movies. The film treats viewers to an imaginative adventure that serves equally well as a masterclass in modern storytelling and a celebration of cinema's most beloved storytellers. At once an action packed youthful adventure and a meditation on the early days of cinema the film has something for everyone in the family. Bask in the marvel that is the movies with Hugo.

The stuff that dreams are made of

The story begins with Hugo Cabret living with his widowed father in 1931 Paris. When his father brings home a broken automaton from the museum where he works the duo set to work repairing it. Before they are able to complete their project, however, Hugo's father dies in a fire, leaving Hugo in the care of his drunken uncle, Claude. He then begins an apprenticeship and learns his uncle's trade repairing the clocks at the local train station. Just as he begins to adjust to his new life he finds himself alone yet again when his uncle goes missing. Fearing that he will be sent to an orphanage if his uncle's absence is discovered he sets about continuing his uncle's work, all while devoting what little spare time he has to repairing the automaton. In his efforts to fix the automaton he crosses paths with the stern owner of the train station's toy store, Monsieur Georges, and his precocious adopted daughter, Isabelle. Together the three embark upon a journey into the power of storytelling and the magic of the movies and unravel a film history mystery along the way.

This delightful fable is both an ode to childhood and a love letter to the movies. The film sets itself apart from the many forgettable entries in family entertainment by offering a tale that is at once entertaining, intelligent, and entirely family friendly. The film refuses to speak down to its young viewers and instead offers a richly imagined adventure populated with complex characters, heart-stopping action, and weighty themes. In this way, the film offers meaningful lessons in family, resilience, and the power of imagination. Even as it engrosses viewers in its unique story the film also serves as an apt tribute to the magic of the movies and the power of storytelling. Through its exploration of Hugo and Monsieur George's divergent journeys the film highlights the human need for meaning and belonging and the ways in which stories helps us to fill that need.  Both characters use the power of storytelling to come to terms with their pasts while inspiring them to pursue a brighter tomorrow, and encourage viewers to do the same. The incorporation of Georges Melies' most famous works along with other silent era classics serves to immerse viewers in the setting while also raising awareness of the need to preserve the stories we love in order to share them with generations to come.  Lose yourself in the magic of the movies with Hugo.

The film brings its nostalgic and whimsical vision of Paris to vivid life thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Sacha Baron Cohen leaves slapstick behind and turns in a complex and vulnerable performance as the train station’s intimidating inspector, Gustave. Emily Mortimer personifies loveliness as the station's flower seller, and Gustave's love interest, Lisette. Jude Law steals the few scenes in which he appears as Hugo's kindly father. Helen McCrory is delightful in her by turns smart mouthed and heartfelt turn as Monsieur George's wife, Jeanne. Chloe Grace Moretz offers one of the best child performances in recent years as she perfectly blends intellect, adventurousness, and charm in her portrayal of Isabelle. Asa Butterfield offers an expert turn as Hugo that belies his young years as he alternates between Hugo's street-wise resilience and youthful innocence. Ben Kingsley dominates the film as the outwardly stern but inwardly tormented Monsieur Georges, in a performance that is the that stuff cinema was made for.

At once a childhood adventure and a cinematic valentine Hugo is a film that truly has something to offer to the whole family. Through its richly imagined and well written script the film takes viewers on a journey into the past that is guaranteed to enchant children and adults alike. The film's performances bring the story to vibrant life, immersing viewers in a whimsical world which they will be hard pressed to leave. Gather the family and share in the power of cinema with Hugo.