The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

 

Title:  "The Smurfs:  A Christmas Carol"

Adaptation:  Featuring the voice of George Lopez as Grouchy, (the Scrooge)

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  

FRI, 9 SEP 2011 U.S.A.

 

My Rating:  * (Offensive)

Format Reviewed:  animated film, on DVD

 

Runtime:  22 minutes

 

Availability:  

As of November 8, 2021, copies of this film, on DVD, are available, online, for approximately $5 U.S. Dollars.

Is this adaptation reverent? 

This adaptation is somewhat reverent, at least in regard to family loyalty.

Does this adaptation mention "God" or "Christ"?

Christ is only mentioned as part of the word "Christmas."

 

Does this adaptation include the phrase "God bless us...?" 

No.  Instead, Grouchy Smurf says he hates "Christmas; it only comes once a year!" 

What does my wife think of this adaptation?
She's not a fan of the Smurfs.

Where and when does this adaptation take place?

This adaptation takes place in Smurf Village when it is about to be invaded and pillaged by Gargamel.

 
What language and/or dialects are used?  

Plain English.

How closely does this adaptation follow the original novel, by Charles Dickens?

This adaptation does not follow the original novel very closely, although Grouchy Smurf has a change of heart with regard to Christmas after being visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Smurfette), Present (another Smurf), and Future (similar to the Reaper), and seeing that the survival of Smurf Village somehow hangs in the balance of his behavior.  He is not visited by anyone comparable to Jacob Marley.

One thing Grouchy Smurf hates about Christmas is that Papa Smurf always gives him a hat, when what he wants is a hang glider.  He finally discovers that Papa Smurf gives him hang gliders, in the form of Smurf hats.

This adaptation is a little disturbing, because Papa Smurf essentially drugs Grouchy Smurf against his will.  Papa Smurf mixes a potion with nutmeg and holly, to conjure up the Spirit of Christmas, to show Grouchy Smurf "the true meaning of Christmas," without any mention of the birth of Jesus Christ.  The conjured spirit appears in the form of a blue cloud, which flies around like Tinker Bell, and sneaks into Grouchy Smurf's nightcap; upon taking a sip from his mug, after the spirit enters it, Grouchy Smurf immediately falls asleep.

Then he wakes up in a two-dimensional dream world, where the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future appear to him.

Is this adaptation a prequel or a sequel?  

No.

Is this adaptation supernatural? 

Yes, this film features ghosts.

Is this adaptation "framed"?  

Yes.  The story is shown in three-dimensional animation, but Grouchy Smurf dreams and sees visions of ghosts in two-dimensional animation.

Is this adaptation a musical?  No.

 

What songs and/or dances are included?  

Music by Christopher Lennertz. The show starts with a parade of Smurfs singing "Deck the Halls."  Later, Smurfs are shown playing an instrumental version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" on various instruments.

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  

The three-dimensional, animated art is excellent! The two-dimensional art is good, too.  Usually, perhaps because of nostalgia, I prefer two-dimensional cartoons, but the three-dimensional animations in this film are superb!

How creative and intense are the transitions, especially when "the Scrooge" is taken from one time and/or place to another?

The transitions are adequate.

 

What aerial and/or nap-of-the-earth footage is included?  

N/A

 

What use is made of background extras?  

N/A

What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation? 

The most disturbing and offensive thing about this adaptation of A Christmas Carol is, perhaps, that the Smurfs decide to spike Grouchy's drink without his knowledge, causing him to hallucinate. This is too reminiscent of crimes involving "date rape drugs." Administering anything to a person without their knowledge is dangerous, criminal, potentially deadly, and a violation of their free will and freedom, and should NOT be portrayed in cartoons as if it were "just O.K." 

 

Another remarkable thing about this adaptation is the excellent use of both three- and two-dimensional animation!
 
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD? 

Audio languages and subtitles are available in English, French, and Spanish.