Thankfully, the animation medium has been kind in terms of how often Charles Dicken’s holiday classic has been reinterpreted. By my estimate, out of the many available to view versions that’s out there, I can make a list of my twelve favourite animated Christmas Carol adaptations.
Thankfully, the animation medium has been kind in terms of how often Charles Dicken’s holiday classic has been reinterpreted. There isn’t that many when compared to how many times it’s been remade in live-action! By my estimate, out of the many versions that’s out there, I have a list of my twelve favourite animated Christmas Carol adaptations to enjoy every year. I have even included television specials. To be current, I considered Netflix’s animated release, Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, and unfortunately have to say this merry CGImusical is better off skipped.
Had Charles Dickens known about the legacy his tale had upon the entertainment industry, I’m sure the copyright law would have been changed to ensure his estate would get some payment. Sadly, his works are in the public domain. Thankfully, many productions acknowledge this author in the playbill, but in terms of his descendants getting royalties, I’m sure they’re all screaming, “bah, humbug!”
According to Collider.com, the earliest version is Marley’s Ghost (1901), directed by Walter R. Booth and produced by R.W. Paul. This work is impossible to find. Next is most likely Harold M. Shaw’s 1914 silent film short, and many more takes were made before Alastair Sim gave us the most beloved take with the 1951 motion picture. I have to give credit to the 1938 production; this actor made the character memorable, and he’s included in this list of animated works. They are ranked going from least to best:
This studio’s take is a departure from their cheerier stop-motion holiday works. In this earlier time, their holidays specials were on air every time December rolled around, and kids grew up watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman.
Although this work is a departure from style, and that the work was done at Topcraft, a Japanese animation studio, this title is worth noting because many of the animators would later be key staff members for Studio Ghibli! In regards to why this take is memorable is because of Tom Bosley. He lends his voice to play a bug named B. A. H. Humbug to narrate the story. Anyone who remembers this actor from Happy Days (He plays Howard Cunningham) will appreciate this take.
As for which team will save the day in The DC League of Super-Pets, that’s not too hard to guess.
The DC League of Super-Pets isn’t anything spectacular when considering who is behind the attempt to deconstruct the Justice League. This movie is not as appealing for comic book fans, since its designed for kids to enjoy.
I didn’t feel the need to watch this movie right away. Not even Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson can convince his legions of fans to see this film since he’s in the starring role. He voices Krypto, Superman’s ever faithful canine. When his master (John Krasinski) is ready to propose to Lois (Olivia Wilde), the dog feels underappreciated and gets jealous.
The writing team of Jared Stern and John Whittington have crafted a better tale than LEGO Batman because it’s not pandering. I had to chuckle as his chunky physique, and that’s not because he’s overweight. All the superheroes are redesigned to look like caricatures of what they represent. Unlike Ninjago the Movie, the dialogue isn’t as juvenile. What’s developed here is more natural, and shows some understanding of the lore from the comics.
The recently released trailer for DC League of Super Pets has a slight Secret Life of Pets vibe to it, and this approach may work just to indicate this add-on is non canon.
Coming to Theatres May 20, 2022
Next year, the DC Animated universe will look at a side of superhero life not often explored. It’s about time we get to meet Krypto, the Super-Dog who has sporadically been by Superboy’s side in the comics (rather than the man) and not so much in the live-action front. The recently released trailer has a slight Secret Life of Pets vibe to it and it can work well to draw in new viewers.
Dwayne Johnson stars as the voice this canine in Warner Bros. Pictures’ animated action adventure feature film DC League of Super-Pets.
In this movie, Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side. When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack—Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle and Chip the squirrel—to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the superheroes.
The 70s is alive and well in Batman: Soul of the Dragon. This animated film is an original tale and thankfully, it doesn’t take any notes from the campy and beloved 60s television show. Instead, its influence is straight out of many James Bond and Bruce Lee films. This aspect is enjoyable to see. Even rarer to see is Wayne not as the feared hero with a cape. He’s got the skills but not the experience in this outing!
In the animated front, the films I’m really excited for are from China. Getting the news from this country is tough, and the studios are mum about what’s next in the Fengshen Cinematic Universe! I tried contacting a Vancouver studio supposedly involved and they never responded.
Because of the pandemic, a lot of production work shifted to either finishing at home or was put on hiatus. The workflow may well have slowed down too. Thankfully, there’s some good news: one particular Japanese animated title is coming very soon.
I’m hopeful the international release is not too much later.
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0
Thrice Upon a Time
Jan 23 (Japan)
The Rebuild tetralogy was on infinite hold when Hideaki Anno was off building Shin Godzilla. Anyone who has seen the original anime will know the general premise–young teens saving the Earth from a holy battle–but with the Illuminati like conspiracies going on, they are locked in an even different secret war. However, this reboot is huge, and it’s one I’m refusing to see one by one over several years. The wait is finally over so fans can see this re-imaging in its entirety.