Mecha-Blog-Zilla's latest review: "Scrooged"

[TheDope]

It's that time of year again; with carols in the air, presents being wrapped cheer and goodwill all about and Bill Murray screaming at people.

Yes, it's time to look at Scrooged and try to figure out what in the world Richard Donner was thinking.  Not of sugarplums, that's or sure.

Love it or hate it, read on...

[Mofo Rising]

And now for a contrary opinion...

I love SCROOGED, and mostly for all the reasons that you didn't particularly care for it. In fact, other than MR. MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL, it's the only version of "A Christmas Carol" that I can stand.

It is in fact the unrepentant nastiness of Bill Murray's character that I really respond to. I'm not a completely cynical misanthrope (although I play one on TV), but funny is funny, and this makes me laugh.

"Did you try staples?"

You may not have bought it, but I'm with Murray every step of the way as he slowly, excruciatingly finds his way back to humanity. The grand finale where Bill Murray chews every last bit of scenery is one of the few scenes in a Christmas movie that actually touches me. I go out of my way to watch this every Christmas season. It's one of my few essential films.

SCROOGED is one of the few films that fills me with Christmas spirit. Well, that and the "And I want to look him straight in the eye..." speech from CHRISTMAS VACATION.

[TheDope]

Yeah, see, that's the thing about this movie; it's a real dividing point for lotsa people - you either love it or hate it.

And I really do love Bill Murray; he's the best thing in every movie he's ever been in.  I guess this kind of went over my head - however, like you say, there are funny parts in it (and I like the "staples" line, too.). 

- TGWD