Friday, December 20, 2013

Movie Review: "Scrooged" (1988)

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Movie: "Scrooged"
Director: Richard Donner
Year: 1988
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hour, 41 minutes

Frank Cross (Bill Murray) is the youngest president in the history of television. All he cares about is ratings and his work. He doesn't give a damn about the people who work for him and is willing to step on anyone and everyone's neck to get his way. He has no personal relationships outside of work, letting his one true love Claire (Karen Allen) slip away 15 years ago because he chose his job over happiness with her. While preparing to shoot a live version of "A Christmas Carol/Scrooge," Frank himself is visited by his own would-be Marley, his old boss Lew Hayward (John Forsythe), who informs Frank that is he continues his ways, he will wind up doomed just as Lew is. Lew lets Frank know that he will be visited by three ghosts, who will hopefully help him change his ways.

"Scrooged" is another Christmas classic to us, and one that we would miss if we didn't watch it yearly. It's a great modernized take on "A Christmas Carol," which has so any different versions that to include a humorous one is almost needed! The opening scene of the film where we get a glimpse of the IBC holiday TV programming, as well as Bill Murray's character Frank Cross' take on a promotion for the live-action Christmas production is one of the most hilarious scenes in the film! They started the movie off strong with that scene! Bill Murray is just so good as the Scrooge character. His sarcasm and sometimes dry delivery make for a hilarious performance. Carol Kane as the Ghost of Christmas Present is also quite enjoyable. Her sadistic fairy type of ghost is really funny! The creativeness with all the ghosts is very well thought out, as well as the makeup work for the character of Lew. The emotional scene at the end of the movie is also really nice and brings the entire message of the "Scrooge" production to a conclusion. Overall, another funny Christmas movie that we love watching!

My Rating: 8.5/10
BigJ's Rating: 8/10
IMDB's Rating: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 66%
Do we recommend this movie: Yes!

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