Scrooged [DVD]

Trying to get in some Christmas films before next Wednesday. Scrooged sees selfish cynical television executive Frank Cross (Bill Murray) haunted by three ghosts bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.Like everyone I am familiar with the story of ‘A Christmas Carol’ so I was interested to see this take on the story with Murray at the focus. For the most part (especially the first half) this works, the jokes are entertaining and mostly land and some of the slapstick and running gags are hilarious (e.g. the woman assistant who is constantly unlucky enough to keep getting injured). The ghost sections are visually engaging and each unique in their visual style and tones, the highlight visually being the Ghost Of Christmas Future which brings in some cool and impressive practical horror elements and the Ghost Of Christmas Past being the most entertaining. The film’s script does have genuine heart to it and you can easily forgive the very cheesy finale because it just works extremely well as a closer to what we’ve and an arc for Frank’s character.Murray is as good as always here. He’s clearly relishing the chance to play a horrible person. Frank is genuinely one of the most unlikeable character’s I’ve seen in a comedy yet also very funny at times with biting sarcasm and borderline psychotic behaviour and rudeness to the general public and his employees, this really is a credit to Murray’s performance. Bobcat Goldthwait is funny as Eliot Loudermilk who is fired on Christmas Eve by Frank and begins to have the worst day of his life. It’s also good seeing Robert Mitchum in a comedic role as Frank’s boss Preston Rhinelander, Alfre Woodard and Nicholas Phillips are a good emotional centre to the film and easily the scene stealing performance aside from Murray is David Johansen as the Ghost Of Christmas Past who is an absolute cackling riot.Karen Allen is a good as Frank’s love interest, however I didn’t buy their relationship as much as the film probably expected me to. The pacing of this film also could’ve have been improved. Even though the Christmas Past section is the best it takes up a significant chunk of the film and means the other two sections don’t get as much time. It’s interesting and sweet seeing Grace’s family time, however I did find Carol Kane’s voice performance as the Ghost Of Christmas Present slightly irritating and the slapstick between her and Frank does become repetitive and obviously like every comedy not every joke lands and some here don’t land as well as they should and either go on a bit too long or are just unfunny.Scrooged is an entertaining Christmas comedy with a great lead performance from Bill Murray and some memorable ghost sections and funny slapstick and situational gags and a cheesy but fitting ending. The film does have some pacing issues and there are some repetitive jokes and not every line lands. However I can still definitely say Scrooged is worth Christmas viewing.

I grew up in the USA (gun worshipping society) and loved this movie as a kid. Well, my UK-raised kids found the opening scenes (advert) with the men attacking Santa with machine guns (never thought twice about it as a kid in the USA- how typical) just too much and refused to watch it any further. Have to admit, I think my kids have a point! Therefore, 2 stars....

I love this movie. It's one of my top ten Christmas films. Yes, Bill Murray pretty much plays himself. Yes, the ending is too sentimental in a way that only Americans can do. No, it doesn't matter. Dickens's story never fails to engage. The relocation of the action to 1980s New York with a curmudgeonly TV exec' in the lead role works really well. The ghosts are refreshingly different with the exception of Christmas yet-to-be who probably only ever really works as a faceless shrouded figure.The story should be familiar to all by now and Scrooged follows the premise fairly closely. Frank Cross (Murray) has achieved his current exalted position by sacrificing his personal life, his family and his girlfriend on the altar of ambition. He marks Christmas Eve by authorising a horrific TV trailer for a live showing of A Christmas Carol even though it has caused the death of an elderly viewer. He sacks another exec' played by Bobcat Goldthwaite for disagreeing with him and forces his PA to work late even though she has a doctor's appointment for her son who cannot speak. Goldthwaite's character and his rapid descent into alcoholic decrepitude are interspersed with Murray's adventures with the ghosts. Despite Goldthwaite's weird vocal delivery and his previous form as a crazed baddie in Police Academy, he plays the nerdy exec well and it is difficult to imagine anyone else playing the part.Murray retires to his office and is visited by the ghost of his old boss (a cue for some gruesome make up and prosthetics) who warns him that he will be visited by three ghosts. After some spooky shenanigans in a restaurant Murray is picked up by the ghost of Christmas Past who takes him back to 1955 a la Back to the Future in a ghostly Checker Cab. Here he sees his childhood, his early career and the love of his life played by Karen Allen. Then to the ghost of Christmas Present played by Carol Kane as a fairy with an irritating high voice and a penchant for violence. She shows Murray how his actions affect his overworked and underpaid PA and his brother whilst finding time to kick him in the 'nads and belt him in the face with a toaster. Finally the ghost of Christmas yet-to-be shows him the future if he doesn't change his ways. This ends with Murray actually finding himself in his coffin as it enters the crematorium before returning to reality to get shot at by Goldthwaite.In between each ghostly visitation Murray interacts with various people including his brother, his ex-girlfriend, a rival exec from LA and three down-and-outs all of who help shape the change in his personality. Murray's journey also runs parallel to the live showing of A Christmas Carol being played out in the TV studio and Murray causes mayhem on set when he returns there after a ghostly experience. He also returns to the set after his Christmas epiphany and uses the opportunity to spread the word about the spirit of Christmas to the viewing multitudes. This is where the film descends into sentimental schmaltz but it's feelgood Christmas schmaltz so I don't mind.There are loads of references to classic TV shows and the eighties setting doesn't date the film too much. My favourite scene is the restaurant one where Murray flips out after being served a Highball with an eyeball (by Grouty from Porridge of all people) and thinking one of the waiters has caught fire. Murray's pratfall as he leaves the restaurant is brilliant and never fails to make me laugh. The prelude with Lee Majors is a hoot and could've formed the basis for an actual movie. If you fancy a helping of Scrooge without the Victorian trappings then this film is for you. Top Christmas viewing.

Bill Murray is on amazing form in this funny and heartwarming film about a modern-day Scrooge who has to confront his many terrible flaws and find love in his heart. Absolutely wonderful, slapstick, witty and full of endearing characters. My favourite is the Ghost of Christmas Present - a violent anarchic fairy played to perfection by Carol Kane. It's just a lovely film that even the most Bah Humbug of us can enjoy. Happy Christmas!

This is a great take on the classic Christmas Carol story. Bill Murray is at his manic best! Although the ending is a little OTT, hell, it is in the original story too. Rick Moranis plays a blinder as the whiskey-sozzled, shotgun-toting ex-employee who is suddenly confronted - and recruited - by the reformed Murray.Well worth a watch!

This film is just great. To be honest some brilliant Christmas films were made in the 80's i think. But this is just great i repeat. The ghosts of Christmas past and present were hilarious, as well as cute. Just an amazing film. You've got to love it if you're just slightly sentimental. Great family entertainment.

Typical Bill Murray over-the-top film. Full of visual slapstick gags - though more than a tad on the violent side for young children!Very definitely a 1980s film, it even has a reference to 'Trump Tower'!The subtitles work well.