Plot: What’s it about?
Francis Cross (Bill Murray) is the youngest president a television studio has ever had. He gets high ratings, he gets the best shows, he is the next legend of the broadcast business. Francis is rich, he could have practically any woman he wanted. He has a perfect life, right? Oh no…that wouldn’t make for a very interesting movie, now would it? Just exactly what does Cross do wrong? You name it. He pushes people around, is unappreciative to his employees, he is heartless, cruel, and a dictator. If that’s enough, he making his entire crew work Christmas Eve to put on a live edition of Scrooge. But hey, it does have Mary Lou Retton as Tiny Tim…so it’s got that going for it, which is nice. But Olympic greats aside, it’s a not something to do to your staff. But does he care, hell no…until he is visited by his former boss. Why would that make him care? Oh…I don’t know…maybe because his ex boss has been dead for over seven years?? But at least the rotting old paint is wearing a nice, but decomposing, golf outfit. His old boss tells of three ghosts that will visit him. You know which three I mean. Will this tale follow the path of Scrooge? Or is Francis Cross too far gone?
Of course, this is a humorous retelling of Dicken’s classic. It has our Scrooge, Francis Cross, and our three ghosts, and our Cratchet family (Cross’ secretary and her family). But this is not told in a dull, old style way, not a chance. Directed by Richard Donner, Scrooged takes a new angle to this old tale, and makes it scary, heartwarming, and most importantly, funny. Donner is best known for his Lethal Weapon series, but he has helmed some great comedies, The Toy and Goonies come to mind, and has a comic flair. You might think you already know the ending to this movie, but trust me, you want to watch this one, no matter how it may turn out.
I’d like to talk about one of the main reasons this movie succeeds. Bill Murray. In my eyes, there is no better comic actor in Hollywood, now or anytime. Casting Murray in a lead role is a sure fire way Hollywood can get me to go to a movie these days. I have never been let down by Murray, and his roles in Caddyshack, Stripes, Kingpin, and countless others make those movies classic comedies. I realize that some out there are not big fans, but I am, and I think the movie is worth the buy just for Murray’s great portrayal of Cross. Murray is always “on” as an asshole, and Francis Cross is just about the biggest one you’ll ever see. The lines are very well written, but the way Murray carries them out, leaves me stitches. I cannot believe how funny this guy is! Now, if what I have read about other films is true, Murray loves to ad-lib, and I’m sure he does some of that in this film. Whether it is spur of the moment or scripted though, Murray gives my all time favorite comedic performance in Scrooged. I can’t believe he didn’t get an Oscar for this….seriously.
The rest of the cast backs Murray well, and provide great victims and straightmen for him to play off of. Bobcat Goldthwait turns in a great performance as a victim of a Cross Christmas Eve firing. Starring as Cross’ old flame is Karen Allen, who plays a concerned, charitable soul, much to the opposite of Cross. The head of the network, who informs Cross that cats and dogs watch television too, is played by great actor Robert Mitchum. The Ghost of Christmas Past is played with wonderful charm by David Johansen, who really shines here. He also has one of my favorite lines, “It’s a bone, you lucky dog!”, and really brings a new edge to this film. Also bringing a unique comedy style is the Ghost of Christmas Present, played by Carol Kane. She busts Cross’ chops all the time, literally. The rest of the cast is also good, with Alfre Woodard, Buddy Hackett, John Glover, John Forsythe, and John Houseman getting the major parts. A small role is played by Brian Doyle Murray, another great comic actor, and Caddyshack alumni. [Editor’s Note: Hey! No one mentions Caddyshcak without my approval!]
Yeah, it seems like this movie has it all. It does. It has tremendous special effects, a great script, and delightful cast to bring it to life on the screen. The movie is rather dark, but only because of Cross’ behavior, and it’s funny as hell to watch the guy work. A truly epic comedy, with everything you could ask for. Don’t think you know this story, because you don’t. Check it out on DVD, and see what the season is really all about.
Video: How does it look?
A great transfer here, anamorphic widescreen and all! Black levels are perfect, which is good, since this movie has a lot of black in it, and the colors are rich and clear. Very little grain, and no artifacting at all. I am very happy with Paramount on this disc.
Audio: How does it sound?
Again, a wonderful job by Paramount. Although Scrooged is a comedy, it has a fair number of effects, and when they show up, your system will get a nice work out. The soundtrack is mostly Christmas tunes, but it sounds great. Dialogue is crisp, and can be heard loud and clear at all times.
Supplements: What are the extras?
You knew it was too good to be true. A great movie, great visuals, great sound…what about extras? Just the theatrical trailer on this one, fans. But hey, this is a great title, worth buying no matter what!
