Michael Caine plays Ebenezer Scrooge, a role played by many actors before and since, but this is an especially notable take on the character because it's the only one that's surrounded by Muppets.
The first thing that must be noted about Caine's performance here is that despite the fact that he's acting against Muppets, he takes it completely seriously. He treats the Muppets as if they were living, breathing human beings and that is the exact right approach to take. By doing this, Caine grounds the film considerably so that it's not just a bunch of wacky Muppet comedy (although there's still plenty of that to go around, to be sure).
Caine's first scene is interesting to watch as we're not given a look at his face right away. Instead, we only see him from the shoulders down as he walks through the streets and the Muppets sing about what a horrble man Scrooge is. Caine's work shouldn't be taken for granted here as his stride is one of a man who means business and lends credence to the song's lyrics. At the song's end, Caine turns and utters the immortal Scrooge line "Humbug." Caine brings a very real sharpness in his delivery and you absolutely believe he'd be able to clear a street full of people just by snarling at them.
We are then introduced to Scrooge's treatment of his employees, especially poor Bob Cratchit, who in this version is Kermit the Frog. Caine actually brings a good deal of humour to the part through just how straight he plays it, considering once again that he's acting against Muppets.
The most notable thing though isn't simply that Caine keeps a straight face, it's that he actually manages to create a full character here, despite being quite limited by the style and length of the There are very few scenes that actually linger on Scrooge being a cold, heartless man, but it's enough for Caine to show us this side of him.
The real meat of this performance starts when he's visited by his former business partners Marley and Marley. Caine is terrific in this scene as he sells the very real fear Scrooge is feeling as he's confronted by his very dead business partners. The news of being visited by three spirits is once again handled in a song, but the effect it has on Scrooge is made clear because of Caine's reaction.
The Ghost of Christmas Past sequence is probably one of the weaker scenes in the film, but this no fault of Caine's performance. In fact, the moment where he remembers is lost love is made exceptionally moving due to the fact that Caine portrays it as though Scrooge can't bear to remember this particular moment.
The entire Ghost of Christmas Present sequence is a wonderful showcase for Caine as he shows how what Scrooge has seen has already changed him to some extent. When the Muppets start singing a song of Christmas cheer, Caine joins in by dancing. It's a wonderful moment as Caine shows Scrooge briefly enjoying himself for the first time in a while. This is shattered by when he sees Tiny Tim. Caine is very moving here as he shows a genuine concern for Timy Tim's well-being.
One of Caine's very best moments comes when he discovers that he's the awful man who is hated after his death. Caine makes Scrooge's pleading that of a man who is completely desperate to be saved, and Caine makes this a very affecting moment in just how genuine he is.
The absolute best part of Caine's performance though is the end of the film, where Scrooge sings "A Thankful Heart". Caine is far from a great singer, but that's so unimportant here as he is almost impossibly charming. Caine is absolutely wonderful here as he sings about how his heart is filled with joy, and how he'll always be good from now on.
Now, due to the nature of this film, the transformation of Scrooge is extremely rushed, in fact most of the screentime actually goes to the two Muppets who are telling the story. This doesn't hinder Michael Caine at all though, as he gives a complete portrait of Ebenezer Scrooge even with the limitations put upon him by the film. I will say this is not my absolute favourite take on Scrooge, but it is a great one.
4.5/5
