Reviewers Criticize "A Christmas Carol"

Critics have some "bah humbug" sentiments about the latest rendition of "A Christmas Carol."

Film reviewers for both the Miami New Times and MSNBC did not find much to cheer about in director Robert Zemeckis's latest film.

In the movie, Jim Carey plays Scrooge and the three ghosts while Gary Oldman takes on the roles of Jacob Marley and Bob Cratchit. Critics did not appreciate the digital technology that allowed the actors to undergo physical transformation so easily.

"Everyone looks rubbery and creepy," according to the MSNBC review. "The film's cast look like they just sauntered out of Madame Tussauds."

The Miami New Times writer shared the same feelings about the inability of technology to make the movie appealing.

"'A Christmas Carol' is a whiz-bang 3-D thrill ride with all the emotional satisfaction squeezed out of it," the reviewer writes.

In their opinion, Zemeckis failed to get the important and classic messages across in the movie, and unwisely chose to focus instead on unnecessary advanced animation and action sequences.

In order to create a successful rendition of Dicken's tale, which has been recreated over and over again, "You've got to bring something besides over-the-top special effects and unsettling animation to the table," MSNBC reviewer advised.

"A Christmas Carol" hits theaters Friday, Nov. 6.