Created: 11/6/2009 8:16:59 AM 
By Lee O. Smith, News19 Movie Reviewer
Halloween was less than a week ago and we're already being haunted by spirits of Christmas Yet to Come. Robert Zemeckis continues his tradition of bringing animated classics into the third dimension with (the most familiar of all holiday tales), "A Christmas Carol."
Yes, it's been done by Muppets, Jean-Luc Picard, Frasier Crane, George C. Scott, Mr. Magoo, Albert Finney, Bill Murray, Reginald Owen, Alastair Sim...In fact, this is Disney's second crack at it. Does anyone remember "Mickey's Christmas Carol" from 1983?
Well, for whatever reason, they've decided to do it again. This time, Jim Carrey takes on the title role - plus several others. But the real star of the movie is the 3-D animation.
Charles Dickens' literary masterpiece finally gets all the bells and whistles it deserves. The ghosts are actually frightening and we finally get to see snow in Columbia!
Still, it's like opening a familiar present with fancy gift wrap. Despite how wonderful everything looks, there are no surprises in the story. I suppose that's the Achilles' heel of being faithful to the source material.
Don't get me wrong. I'm recommending it...but I say wait another month when the season is upon us. Until then, have yourself a happy Thanksgiving!
