Rating: PG
Genre: Holiday Animation
Release Date: November 6, 2009
Running Time: 96 minutes
Child-friendly? Disney’s A Christmas Carol stays true to the much-loved Charles Dickens classic holiday story about a stingy old man, Ebenezer Scrooge, who is bound to make Christmas miserable for everyone around him yet again. The animation, similar to the type seen in Disney’s Polar Express, has been called "breathtaking" and "fantastic" by critics and movie-goers alike but many admit that the story may be frightening for young children, especially in 3-D. The movie is recommended for children over the age of 9.
Charles Dickens’ 19th Century classic A Christmas Carol is getting a makeover this holiday season, thanks to Disney animation and a pair of 3-D glasses. True to the original story, Disney’s A Christmas Carol tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, who spends Christmas Eve complaining about the holiday cheer in the town with his signature, "Bah Humbug!" Later that evening, he is visited by three ghosts the ghost of Christmas past, the ghost of Christmas present and the ghost of Christmas yet to come. They are able to give him a look at defining moments in his life and what his future may hold if he continues his miserly ways.
The film is directed by Robert Zemeckis, who also directed The Polar Express in a similar style, although with much less scary content. An all-star cast includes Jim Carrey as Scrooge and the ghosts, with supporting roles from Colin Firth, Gary Oldman and Robin Wright Penn.
The overall message of Disney’s A Christmas Carol is one of hope and redemption. Although the film may be too scary for younger children, it does offer families a classic tale about the importance of generosity, family and friendship. 
