“The Polar Express” (2004)

The Polar Express

Brief Description:

It tells the story of a young boy who, on Christmas Eve, sees a mysterious train bound for the North Pole stop outside his window and is invited aboard by its conductor. The boy joins several other children as they embark on a journey to visit Santa Claus preparing for Christmas. 

(from Wikipedia) 

Date: 2004

Genre: American computer-animated fantasy adventure film

Running time: 2 hours

Cast: 

Tom Hanks (Hero Boy / Hero Boy’s father / Conductor / Hobo / Santa Claus / Ebenezer Scrooge)

Josh Hutcherson & Daryl Sabara (Hero Boy)

Nona Gaye, Darrian O’Driscoll, Meagan Moore, & Tinashe (Hero Girl)

Peter Scolari, Hayden McFarland, Jimmy Bennett, & Matthew Hall (Billy)

Eddie Deezen & Jimmy Pinchak (Know-It-all)

Michael Jeter & André Sogliuzzo (Smokey / Steamer)

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Production company: Warner Bros. Pictures

Based on: The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

Okay, I adored the aesthetic. It was so beautiful and whimsy! And the winter setting was simply gorgeous, and the train was sooo cool. 

Characters: 5/5

Hero Boy was such a sweet, noble boy whom I really related to. Hero Girl was delightful; Billy was heart-tugging; and Know-It-All was quite humorous. Also, the tiny thread of romance was SOO CUTE. And the conductor was amazing. <3

Plot: 3/5

Okay. So. I loved the beginning of the film. I really did. The train was epic, the characters were epic, the action was epic… I loved it. I didn’t realize Santa Claus was gonna appear, nor that the whole point of the film was to “prove” S.C. existed. So I loved the film up until Santa appeared… and then after he disappeared the windup was satisfactory. I even think skipping all his part would still make for a fun film. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 4/5

While as aforementioned the S.C. believing part I didn’t like, I did appreciate how the tickets brought out what the kids had to learn to do/be, and that was so symbolic and lovely! 

Overall: 3/5

I could have loved it, and in the end I have a very good memory of it. But I do wish it hadn’t been about S.C.!!! It would have been so perfect otherwise. 

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Brief Description:

It’s Christmastime, and Charlie Brown is depressed! Lucy the Psychiatric has a solution: become director of the Christmas play! But the commercialism of Christmas only depresses Charlie Brown more. Will a little half-dead sapling reignite everyone’s Christmas spirit? 

(possibly written by me, possibly taken from Archive, IMDb, or Wikipedia and edited by me. I forget)

Date: 1965

Genre: American family animated Christmas comedy TV special

Running time: 25 minutes

Cast: 

Peter Robbins (Charlie Brown)

Christopher Shea (Linus)

Tracy Stratford (Lucy)

Cathy Steinberg (Sally)

Chris Doran (Schroeder & Shermy)

Geoffrey Orstein (Pig-Pen)

Sally Dryer (Violet)

Anne Altieri (Frieda)

Bill Melendez (Snoopy)

Karen Mendelson (Patty)

Director: Bill Melendez

Production company: Lee Mendelson Film Productions & Bill Melendez Productions

Based on: Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 2/5

I’m not a fan of the Peanuts aesthetic/setting in films. It’s fine in the cartoons, but too little for a film in my opinion. 

Characters: 3/5

Charlie Brown is depressive, Lucy is irritating, Sally is kinda cute, Linus is too, and the rest are meh. 

Plot: 3/5

The plot is super simple and straightforwards, not bad.

Theme/Message/Topics: 4/5

It’s not very loud, but I do enjoy the message of “what Christmas is all about” despite the commercialism and the ending of Hark! the Herald Angels Sing wrap it up perfectly. 

Content: 5/5

Some euphemisms and music I don’t personally approve of.

Overall: 3/5

It’s a cute film with a great message, and I can see why people love it, and it’s a classic for a reason. It’s just not really my fav. But for the fun of it, I’ll probably rewatch it again. 

“Andy Griffith: The Christmas Story” (1960)

The Christmas Story 

Brief Description:

Scrooge-like businessman Ben Weaver wants Sam Muggins locked up for moonshining, against Andy’s wishes and foiling Barney’s plans for the Christmas party. Knowing Ben will cause them a heap of political trouble if they go against him, Andy brings the party to the station. As Ben hangs around keeping his eye on the place as he promised, will his disgust turn to something else, or can the Christmas Spirit really not touch him at all? 

(possibly written by me, possibly taken from IMDb or somewhere online)

Date: 1960

Genre: American Christmas comedy family TV episode  

Running time: 26 minutes 

Cast: 

Andy Griffith (Andy)

Ron Howard (Opie) 

Don Knotts (Barney)

Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee)

Will Wright (Ben)

Sam Edwards (Sam)

Margaret Kerry (Bess)

Elinor Donahue (Ellie)

Director: Bob Sweeney

Production company: Mayberry Enterprises

IMDb page

Watch on DailyMotion

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I love the small-town, countryside feel of the Andy Griffith show. <3 ’Nough said. 

Characters: 5/5

Humorous, caring Andy; hilarious Barney; helpless Sam; cranky Ben; and sweet Bess make for a wonderful cast of characters, especially aided by the cute children and dear Aunt Bee. <3

Plot: 5/5; Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

I can’t give much away, but this has slight Christmas Carol feels, which is very enjoyable, and also includes a lovely rendition of Away in a Manger. <3 Humour and sweetness and Christmassy feels are all present! My only objection is, again, I wish there was more Christ and less Claus. 

Overall: 5/5

The perfect Christmas Eve or Christmas morning episode! 

“Dennis the Menace: The Christmas Story” (1959)

The Christmas Story 

Brief Description:

It’s Christmas Eve, and Dennis is desperate to find out if he got a sled or not. His parents are just as desperate for him not to find out. When the Wilsons get caught in the crossfire, how far will Dennis go to carry out his search? 

(written by me)

Date: 1959

Genre: American Christmas family film TV episode

Running time: 26 minutes

Cast: 

Jay North (Dennis)

Herbert Anderson (Henry)

Gloria Henry (Alice)

Joseph Kearns (Mr. Wilson)

Sylvia Field (Mrs. Wilson)

Billy Booth (Tommy)

Robert B. Williams (Mr. Dorfman)

Director: Don Taylor

Production company: Darriell Productions

IMDb page

Watch on DailyMotion

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I love the 1950s homey feel of the Dennis the Menace show! And this episode has strong Christmassy feels <3

Characters: 4.5/5

I am not Dennis’ biggest fan—I wish he were more obedient! That would make for no show though, so I tolerate it. ;P He is very funny and very cute and very realistic, which also helps resign me. Meanwhile, his mother and father are perfect, and the Wilsons are epic neighbours—Martha is so sweet and George is hilarious with his cranky exterior and soft interior. And Tommy is the best sidekick. XD

Plot: 4.5/5

Again, I wish the plot didn’t involve Dennis going against his parents’ wishes by trying to find his Christmas gifts. But it is a funny, sweet, realistic episode and I love how Christmassy it is. (I know, I know, I’m repeating myself.) And I absolutely adore the singing scene. That’s probably the only reason I love this episode so much. ;) I wish there were a little more Christ and less Claus in the Christmas, though.

Overall: 4.5/5

A perfect Christmas Eve watch. 

“A Christmas Carol” (1982)

 A Christmas Carol

Brief Description:

On Christmas Eve, tight-fisted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the Spirit of Christmas Past, the Spirit of Christmas Present, and the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come. Is there any chance his frozen old heart will change, and that he can escape the frightful destiny that awaits him?

(written by me)

Date: 1982

Genre: Australian fantasy drama Christmas animation family film

Running time: 1 hour 12 minutes

Cast: 

Ron Haddrick (Scrooge)

Phillip Hinton (Cratchit)

Sean Hinton (Tiny Tim / Peter)

Barbara Frawley (Mrs. Cratchit)

Robin Stewart (Fred, Ghost of Christmas Past / Young Scrooge / Turkey Fetcher)

Liz Horne (Martha / Belinda)

Bill Conn (Marley / Solicitors / Mr. Fezziwig / Ghost of Christmas Present / Topper / Old Joe)

Derani Scarr (Mrs. Fred / Belle)

Anne Haddy (Fan)

Director: Jean Tych

Production company: Burbank Films Australia

Based on: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Wikipedia page

Watch on YouTube

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4.5/5

This animation reminded me a little bit of the 1971 simply because it was an animation. It is quite different; but it does have a similar feel. I still prefer “living” productions but this was still good and has the feel of the story pretty well. 

Characters: 5/5

I was very impressed with this production! The characters were all highly accurate, right down to the schoolmaster. The Christmas Spirits were particularly well done—they’re usually quite odd or unlike the book, but here they were quite accurate. Scrooge was also well done—some little bits were added to the film to showcase more of his character and past, which I really appreciated. I did find Mrs. Crachit less similar to most renditions, but I think she was probably more accurate! The only one I wasn’t a fan of was Marley, who was rather creepy and didn’t look like his living self. And I didn’t need to see his dying scene  and his spirit floating away.

Plot: 5/5

The film was almost 100% like the book, with a few additions to expand on things—for instance, Marley’s reason for visiting Scrooge and some dialogue between Scrooge and the Christmases Past and Present about his life and character—all very well done. It also had many, if not all, of the scenes usually cut out—the bakery line, the woman in the snow with the spirits sobbing over her, Belle’s family, the lighthouse keepers… It was really an excellent rendition! 

Theme/Message/Topics: 4/5

The story expanded on the message of generosity and love and prolife-ness, but slacked a bit on the message of Christ. 

Overall: 5/5

One of the best Christmas Carol adaptions I’ve watched!

“Mickey’s Christmas Carol” (1983)

Mickey’s Christmas Carol 

Brief Description:

On Christmas Eve, tight-fisted businessman Scrooge McDuck is visited by the Spirit of Christmas Past, the Spirit of Christmas Present, and the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come. Is there any chance his frozen old heart will change, and that he can escape the frightful destiny that awaits him?

(written by me)

Date: 1983

Genre: American fantasy drama Christmas animation family TV special

Running time: 25 minutes 

Cast: 

Alan Young (Scrooge McDuck—Scrooge)

Hal Smith and Hannes Schroll (Goofy—Marley)

Wayne Allwine (Mickey Mouse—Cratchit)

Eddie Carroll (Jiminy Cricket—Ghost of Christmas Past)

Will Ryan (Willie the Giant—Ghost of Christmas Present)

Pete (Ghost of Christmas Future)

Clarence Nash (Donald Duck—Fred)

Patricia Parris (Daisy Duck—Isabelle)

Dick Billingsley (Tiny Tim)

Hal Smith (Ratty)

Will Ryan (Moley)

Wayne Allwine (Otto—Beggar)

Wayne Allwine & Will Ryan (Weasels)

Director: Burny Mattinson

Production company: Buena Vista Distribution

Based on: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on DailyMotion)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 3/5

It was very Disneyfied—much more so than I expected. Not a bad thing, but still not the Christmas Carol feel. 

Characters: 4/5

Scrooge was good, although his Scottish burr was an unexpected twist. Mickey acted like Mickey playing to be Crachit, which is accurate, haha! And Goofy/Marley drove me crazy, but Jiminy and Willie were cute little (or huge) spirits. Pete was horrid though. 

Plot: 3/5

This film was quite different from the book, from Crachit doing Scrooge’s laundry to Scrooge dreaming of falling into hell (a disturbing moment). I wasn’t a fan of that, although Goofy’s mess-ups did add a bit of humour to a tense scene. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 2/5

I really didn’t find any good theme to this—just an implied “be nice to folks.”

Overall: 2/5

I wasn’t a fan and probably won’t be rewatching. 

“A Christmas Carol” (1971)

A Christmas Carol 

Brief Description:

On Christmas Eve, tight-fisted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the Spirit of Christmas Past, the Spirit of Christmas Present, and the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come. Is there any chance his frozen old heart will change, and that he can escape the frightful destiny that awaits him?

(written by me)

Date: 1971

Genre: British Christmas drama fantasy family film animation

Running time: 25 minutes

Cast: 

Alastair Sim (Scrooge)

Michael Redgrave (Narrator)

Michael Hordern (Marley)

Diana Quick (Ghost of Christmas Past)

Felix Felton (Ghost of Christmas Present)

Melvyn Hayes (Cratchit)

Joan Sims (Mrs. Cratchit)

Paul Whitsun-Jones (Fezziwig / Old Joe)

David Tate (Fred/Charity Man)

Annie West (Belle)

Mary Ellen Ray (Mrs. Dilber)

Alexander Williams (Tiny Tim)

Director: Richard Williams

Production company: Richard Williams Productions

Based on: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Wikipedia page

Watch on YouTube

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

As this was an animation, of course it didn’t have the same feel as a “living” production would have; but it was pretty good. It had a very interesting touch unlike any other animation I have seen… I can’t really put my finger on it, but I quite liked it. 

Characters: 5/5

The characters were all well done. Scrooge was very Scrooge-like, Crachit was Crachit, Fred was Fred, and so forth. The three spirits were particularly well done! Marley, however, was this weird monster-skeleton apparition, and so were the others “ghosts” that Scrooge saw filling the air in the seldom-seen scene with the beggar woman and her child. 

Plot: 5/5

The plot aligned well with the book, with a very few slight deviances. I was very happy to see the aforementioned scene with the beggar woman and her child! Also, the addition of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen at the beginning and end was a masterful touch—gave a joyful twist to the message (as opposed to a holy/reverent one with Hark! the Herald Angel Sings, like the 1938) and was a nice nod to the book.

Overall: 4.5/5

These reviews are getting worse and worse, for which I apologize and promise better ones soon. In the meantime, this was another of my favourite Christmas Carol adaptations and very different from the 1969, which was quite nice.

“The Christmas Carol” (1949)

The Christmas Carol 

Brief Description:

On Christmas Eve, tight-fisted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the Spirit of Christmas Past, the Spirit of Christmas Present, and the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come. Is there any chance his frozen old heart will change, and that he can escape the frightful destiny that awaits him?

(written by me)

Date: 1949

Genre: British Christmas fantasy drama 

Running time: 25 minutes

Cast: 

Vincent Price (Host / Narrator)

Taylor Holmes (Scrooge)

Earl Lee (Marley)

Robert Clarke (Fred)

Pat White (Cratchit)

Queenie Leonard (Mrs. Cratchit)

Nelson Leigh (Ghost of Christmas Past)

George James (Ghost of Christmas Present)

Jack Nestle (Ghost of Christmas to Come)

Mike Miller (Peter Cratchit)

Connie Cavendish (Martha Cratchit)

Bobby Hyatt (Tiny Tim)

Director: Arthur Pierson

Production company: Jerry Fairbanks Productions

Based on: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

IMDb page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 3/5

This has a distinctly 1940s feel in the acting. Several parts were overdone and the Crachits were a very 1940s household. It was definitely a lower quality of film. 

Characters: 3/5

The characters weren’t badly done, but they also didn’t grab me…? 

Plot: 3/5

The plot condensed the book quite a bit, but not badly; and there was a bit added on to show Scrooge’s change of heart, also not badly done. It was fun to have a narrator to add extra bits, too.

Overall: 3/5

Of all the adaptions I saw, this one appears to have stuck with me the least. It wasn’t bad—I will probably watch it again—but it seems to have been pretty generic, for I remember little of it.

“A Christmas Carol” (1969)

A Christmas Carol

Brief Description:

On Christmas Eve, tight-fisted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the Spirit of Christmas Past, the Spirit of Christmas Present, and the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come. Is there any chance his frozen old heart will change, and that he can escape the frightful destiny that awaits him?

(written by me)

Date: 1969

Genre: British animated Christmas fantasy drama 

Running time: 45 minutes

Cast: 

Ron Haddrick (Scrooge)

Bruce Montague (First Charity Collector / Marley / Ghost of Christmas Present / Fezziwig / Gravedigger / Narrator)

John Llewellyn (Cratchit / Fred / Ghost of Christmas Past)

Director: Zoran Janjic 

Production company: Air Programs International

Based on: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

IMDb page

Watch on DailyMotion

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 3/5

It was a bit glitchy and darkish, but a typical 1970s animation, which was “vintagely” fun. ;) 

Characters: 4/5

Okay, so the whole thing was somewhat different from the book. Scrooge stayed hard for a good long time (up to the Christmas Future visiting) and I liked how that highlighted what a cruel, selfish person he really was—something easy to forget as you see him soften in the book and most films. The nephew wasn’t much like Fred, but Cratchit & Mrs. C. are somehow always the same. Tiny Tim was much more pathetic, which was another interesting variation from the other films. As for the spirits, I enjoyed how the Past and Present wittily sparred with Scrooge! 

Plot: 4/5

At the beginning, the plot remains similar to the book, although it cuts out certain scenes. Marley’s appearance, however, is entirely different. He’s presented as a terrifying transparent monster with a skeleton head, long hair, and a thundering voice—entirely different from the book, much too creepy, and definitely overdone. My opinion of the film plummeted, but rose during the rest of the plot. While it wasn’t super accurate to the book (I mentioned Scrooge and the Spirits’ characters above), it was different and gave a new angle to the old story. I particularly enjoyed the new ending, which showed how much Scrooge had changed in a very tangible way. Oh, and it was cool to see someone finally really show how flippant and casual Scrooge was with Marley’s ghost!

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

It was worded a little differently from the book but it was deep and thought-provoking regardless.

Overall: 4/5

Not my favourite version, but well done regardless, rather unique, and something I’ll watch again… minus Marley’s scene, probably.

“Scrooge” (1938)

Scrooge

Also known as A Christmas Carol 

Brief Description:

On Christmas Eve, tight-fisted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the Spirit of Christmas Past, the Spirit of Christmas Present, and the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come. Is there any chance his frozen old heart will change, and that he can escape the frightful destiny that awaits him?

(probably written by me)

Date: 1938 (I found another version that says it’s a 1933 but is the same film, minus certain scenes)

Genre: British Christmas fantasy drama 

Running time: 1 hour 17 minutes

Cast: 

Sir Seymour Hicks (Scrooge)

Donald Calthrop (Cratchit)

Robert Cochran (Fred)

Eve Gray (Mrs. Fred)

Mary Glynne (Belle)

Garry Marsh (Belle’s husband)

Oscar Asche (Spirit of Christmas Present)

Barbara Everest (Mrs. Cratchit)

Philip Frost (Tiny Tim)

Claude Rains (Marley)

Director: Henry Edwards

Production company: Twickenham Film Studios

Based on: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

It was a lot darker and harder to see than the 1951 version, but it did have a good Victorian feel. It was also a lot less creepy and less emotional overall, which I found detracted a little from the significance.  

Characters: 5/5

Sir Seymour Hicks played a different Scrooge than Alastair Sim, and I can’t decide which I like best. They both show a different side of the character. Cratchit and his family were very nice and well done, although I missed seeing more of Peter and Martha as we do in the book and in the 1951 film. Fred was perfect—I liked Robert Cochran far more than Brian Worth—but the Spirits were quite lacking. Oscar Asche in particular made a terrible Spirit of Christmas Present! 

Plot: 5/5

I really appreciated how much the film script aligned with the book! I noticed that between them the 1938 and the 1951 films covered almost the whole book, but each removed or added some things the book didn’t have. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

Again, almost a perfect alignment with the book. I particularly loved how this film included Hark! the Herald Angel Sings over and over. It fit the message to a tee. <3

Overall: 5/5

Another excellent film version of a great book! I personally think the greatest pleasure would come from watching the 1938 and 1951 back to back.

“Scrooge” (1951)

Scrooge

Also known as A Christmas Carol

Brief Description:

On Christmas Eve, tight-fisted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the Spirit of Christmas Past, the Spirit of Christmas Present, and the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come. Is there any chance his frozen old heart will change, and that he can escape the frightful destiny that awaits him?

(probably written by me)

Date: 1951

Genre: British Christmas fantasy drama

Running time: 1 hour 26 minutes

Cast: 

Alastair Sim (Scrooge)

George Cole (Young Scrooge)

Michael Hordern (Marley)

Patrick Macnee (Young Marley)

Mervyn Johns (Cratchit)

Hermione Baddeley (Mrs. Cratchit)

John Charlesworth (Peter)

Catherine Leach (Belinda)

Moiya Kelly (Martha)

Luanne Kemp (Mary)

Glyn Dearman (Tiny Tim)

Kathleen Harrison (Mrs. Dilber)

Michael J. Dolan (the Spirit of Christmas Past)

Francis de Wolff (the Spirit of Christmas Present)

Czesław Konarski (the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come)

Rona Anderson (Alice)

Carol Marsh (Fanny)

Jack Warner (Mr. Jorkin)

Roddy Hughes (Mr. Fezziwig)

Brian Worth (Fred)

Olga Edwardes (Mrs. Fred)

Peter Bull (Narrator)

Director: Brian Desmond Hurst

Production company: George Minter Productions

Based on: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

Excellently portrayed Victorian England. 

Characters: 5/5

Everyone felt exactly like the book, and I was delighted. The Cratchits were all sweet; Scrooge was hateful at first and loveable at last; the Ghosts were well done; everyone was wonderful! 

Plot: 5/5

I haven’t read the book in about a year but I saw very little that had been changed or adapted; in fact, I was very impressed by how closely it followed the book. I couldn’t help feeling sorry for poor Scrooge—just a little—because of his past, and his mistake was very human—such a warning to remember. I used to be bothered by the ghost thing but I realized that they aren’t actually ghosts—Scrooge dreams all of it. The “spirits” merely show him what his life used to be, what it is now, and what it will be at his death. You could except Marley and insist he’s a real ghost but as ghosts don’t exist, Scrooge plainly dreamt him. (Though that part is a little less obvious in the film than the book.) 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

Splendid moral, really, about not losing love and faith in people, and being willing to remember your roots, and give grace, and not try to make up for the trials you went through in the past by reaching a status where they “can’t reach you” or living with the assumption that everyone is out to get you and you have to be sharper.

Content: 4/5 (low)

A few shots of dancing + women in low-necked (1860s) dresses. Slight spookiness involved with all the “spirits.”

Overall: 5/5

A delightful, moving Christmas film about the true meaning of Christmas (and a well done film to boot).