MOVIE REVIEWS: SCROOGE (1970)
Less than a week away from Christmas, and we have another Christmas movie review—and it’s a good one! The 1970 Scrooge, starring Albert Finney, is a fantastic take on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. In my opinion, this is the best version of the classic story, and I don’t bother watching any others. Finney does a stellar job portraying Scrooge, and he brings a level of energy and depth to the character that is hard to beat.
Now, a heads-up for those who might not be familiar with it—this is a musical. But what’s nice about this musical is that none of the music feels forced. I’m not usually a fan of musicals where characters break into song out of nowhere, but Scrooge manages to avoid that pitfall. While there are certainly moments of song, they flow naturally with the story, and none of them feel like they’re disrupting the plot. The music itself is catchy, memorable, and effective without ever coming off as out of place.
Even though this isn’t technically a horror movie, it does come close at times, as A Christmas Carol is essentially a ghost story. The spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come are as haunting as ever here, and the way they are presented is both eerie and captivating. The special effects for the time are impressive, and there’s a real sense of atmosphere throughout, particularly when Scrooge confronts the darker sides of his own soul. It’s a perfect balance of Christmas spirit and spooky, otherworldly encounters that remind us of the deeper themes in Dickens' original tale.
Monsters/Villains: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (7.4)
While the ghosts aren't the traditional "monsters" you might think of in a horror movie, they are still formidable characters, each bringing their own style of supernatural menace to Scrooge. The ghost of Jacob Marley, with his chains, is particularly memorable, as is the looming, silent presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Both provide that necessary supernatural tension, especially for a family movie that’s meant to be spooky but not too terrifying.
Actors/Characters: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (8.1)
Albert Finney shines as Ebenezer Scrooge, bringing both humor and gravitas to the role. His transformation from miserly, cold-hearted old man to a joyful, generous soul is both heartwarming and believable. It’s a well-rounded ensemble, and the chemistry between all the characters enhances the overall experience.
Story: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (8.5)
Scrooge stays faithful to the spirit of Dickens’ original A Christmas Carol while adding its own unique flair. The story is timeless—about redemption, compassion, and the importance of community. The narrative is paced well, moving quickly from one encounter to the next, but always giving enough time to reflect on Scrooge’s personal journey. The addition of musical numbers gives an extra layer of depth to the emotional beats, whether it’s Scrooge’s loneliness, his regrets, or his newfound joy. This version of the story manages to capture all the essence of Christmas without ever feeling overly saccharine or preachy.
JOE SCORE: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (8.3)
Overall, Scrooge (1970) is a wonderful adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Albert Finney’s portrayal of the miserly Scrooge, combined with the well-crafted songs, solid performances from the supporting cast, and haunting atmosphere, makes this a holiday classic in my book. It’s the perfect watch to get you in the Christmas spirit, especially if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual fare. Whether you’re a fan of musicals, ghost stories, or just a timeless holiday tale, this version has something for everyone.
