“If you believe in this spirit thing, the miracle will happen, and then you’ll want it to happen again tomorrow… It can happen every day, you’ve just got to want that feeling.”
– Bill Murray in SCROOGED
That’s right – it’s time to feel the moment and that holiday spirit thing. It’s time for Spoiler Free Review’s 12 days of Christmas 2022 edition! We will be posting our favorite holiday experiences with 12 reviews and illustrations of movies, TV, and music. So sit back, enjoy some spiked eggnog, and enjoy to SFR’s 12-days of Christmas 2022! 🎅
“The Jews taught me a great word… Schmuck. I was a schmuck.
It’s not too late to call people on Christmas Eve. One night, we act a little nicer, smile a little more, and bring a little cheer. I know the whole year we are the people we hope to be. It’s a miracle. Everyone’s got to have this miracle. It can happen every day. You just have to want that feeling. I believe in it now. I’m ready for it.”
Bill Murray manically screamed these lines to the entire cast and crew of the 1988 version of SCROOGED. It was how he felt after being visited by four ghosts on Christmas Eve. He was reborn into a kinder but not less sarcastic person.
Though SCROOGED was a box office success, many still need to figure out where to place this version of Scrooge. It feels, at times, very angry and loud. Bill delivers his lines in his usual deadpan, monotone voice while glaring at everyone around him. He is not likable, nor should he be, as Scrooge. But it gets old and harsh after a while. I want to be on his side at the end, but somehow, I feel sorry for his old girlfriend, Claire (Debbie Allen). She puts up with a great deal as a “woman in love.” I have never believed they will make it as a couple unless Claire gives up a part of who she is at her core. I adore romance stories and tales of growth and change. But in my heart, the jury is still out on this one. Can “Lumpy” maintain being a better man?
I remember sharing this film with my two children when they were young. They loved the crazed antics of the ensemble. Of course, somethings went over their heads, but for the most part, they giggled and learned a valuable lesson about how to treat other people. This makes me smile with memories.
The ghosts were creative and totally over the top. They made their point with a 3 STOOGES type of physical comedy. Kudos to Carol Kane, Jamie Farr, David Johansen, and Pat McCormick. The makeup and costumes, though, for the ghosts hit the spot. Kudus.
The ensemble is chock full of stars, including Robert Mitchum, Lee Majors, John Houseman, Buddy Hackett, Robert Goulet, Alfre Woodard, Michael Pollard, Mary Lou Retton, Bobcat Goldthwait, and John Forsyth. Whew! That’s a bunch of Hollywood power. The opening promo for IBC Television was the best. “Yule love it.”
SCROOGED is an iconic look at Bill Murray playing himself until he screams, “Don’t let them burn me!” But is he still the “King of Christmas?” I will let the viewers decide.
It is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
