The Muppet Christmas Carol

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The Muppet Christmas Carol ★★½ 1992 (G)

Christmas classic features all the muppet favorites together and in Victorian garb. Storyline is more or less faithful to Dickens original, with pleasant special effects. Gonzo the Great as Dickens narrates the tale as Scrooge (Caine) takes his legendary Christmas Eve journey escorted by three (flannel) spirits. The Cratchits are led by Kermit and Miss Piggy. Directed by Brian Henson, Jim's son, the film is as heartwarming as the Cratchit's crackling fire, but doesn't quite achieve the former muppet magic. Also features some sappy songs by Williams, including “Love is Like a Heatwave” and “Island in the Sun.” 120m/C VHS, DVD . Michael Caine; D: Brian Henson; C: John Fenner; M: Paul Williams, Miles Goodman; V: Dave Goetz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz.