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A Christmas Carol (1984)

(1984, Rated PG, Classic, Starring George Scott, David Warner, Frank Finlay)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    Bleak but solid adaptation of Dickens' classic.

Themes in this movie include:   friendship, loss, materialism
updated 11.10.09

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Dicken's classic tale of compassion has been through so many incarnations, but it still presents an important and eloquent message that doesn't fail.

  • Role models:

    Scrooge is greedy, selfish, and lacks compassion -- but in the end he sorely regrets this behavior.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Ghosts! Cruel, tormenting ghosts!

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About A Christmas Carol (1984)

Parents need to know that in this movie, the granddaddy of morality tales, Dickens' timeless material looks unglamorously at 19th century English life and shows us how wrong turns, if not righted, can lead good people astray. The music dramatically complements a finely adapted script. Delivered dryly, the humor hits its mark; you can't help laughing at Scrooge's expense. Despite the valuable message, this version may be too dark and frightening for some. There's plenty here for the entire family to enjoy, and even shed a few tears over. But the scenes are bleak. Glimpses of desperate families and sickly children. A once bitter and resentful man anguishes over the pain he's caused others. Glimpses of a tortured childhood place partial blame for Scrooge's condition on an uncaring father.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how we make right our wrongs.
  • How do you recognize your wrongs?
  • Do you find them on your own, or do you, like Scrooge, need someone else to help you see them?
  • How do you make things right?
Tools and tips that can help

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