I’m not sure if it is because I went in to the movie with lowered expectations or raised blood alcohol* or none of the above, but I throughly enjoyed An American Carol.

Apparently, Carol had a much more limited release than other movies this weekend. I don’t know why this was surprising to me. But since the three neighborhood theaters didn’t screen it, we took a modest 17 mile trek.

The other surprise was the demographic that came out to see it. Except for one family with kids, which skewed the average age downward, the typical attendee was going into menopause around the time Lloyd Bridges picked the wrong week to stop huffing glue. Perhaps it was because of the way the movie was promoted on conservative radio. Sean Hannity did do some live-spot commercials for it.

The movie itself was effective because it cleverly used the Christmas Carol story line to get its point across. By design, the Carol storyline is “preachy”. But because the movie spoke to my political and social sensibilities I didn’t find it particularly heavy-handed or jingoistic. A sincere liberal, on the other hand, might have heard nothing but fingernails on the chalkboard for 90 minutes.

The laugh out loud highlights were the visit to a student protest at Columbia University that included a musical number performed by tenured professors pining for 1968 and the Moovealong.org film awards ceremony.

Bill O’Reilly’s cameos were clever, but were very unconvincing. He didn’t shout down Rosie O’Connell during the movie’s “Factor” scene. That was complete bull.

After the film, it dawned on me that this probably was David Zucker’s first attempt to write a film where the storyline was more than just a vehicle for hanging sight gags. There was some really good dialogue in this film, especially as Patton tried to educate Michael Malone. It was co-written with Myrna Solokoff, so perhaps the depth came from her hand.

You really should see this movie for yourself. Five Meats out of Six.

*One Martini. Drink in moderation, kids. And if you have too much, use a designated driver.

Posted by Cranky @ 9:27 am
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1. I also enjoyed the movie, though I also had to trek about 20 miles away to see it.

   But fortunately the theater I did see it in was adjacent to MiraMar MCAS…so there were plenty of Marines in the audience…men and women who I am sure are sick of being depicted as heartless killers in every other Hollywood movie referencing the military.

   One couple walked out during the Columbia University scene (filmed I might add at my Alma Mater, UCLA)…but methinks they were Junior College teachers. They had “the look”.

   Something else I took away from the movie…a new found respect for Paris Hilton. Yeah, I know…that chick will go anywhere and do anything for some publicity…but appearing in An American Carol has earned her a reprieve from calling her a stupid, spoiled whore for at least the rest of the year.

   comment by Nigel — Sunday, October 5, 2008 @ 6:04 pm

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2. the typical attendee was going into menopause around the time Lloyd Bridges picked the wrong week to stop huffing glue. Perhaps it was because of the way the movie was promoted on conservative radio. Sean Hannity did do some live-spot commercials for it.

   Perhaps it’s for the same reason they’re the most faithful voters. They’re supporting the cause whether they want to see the movie or not. God help us when they’re gone.

   comment by Beej — Sunday, October 5, 2008 @ 7:20 pm

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3. I must say Nigel, if the Marines enjoyed it and the Jr. College lecturers didn’t the movie was a smashing success.

   And Beej, amen to that.

   comment by Cranky — Sunday, October 5, 2008 @ 7:40 pm

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4. I thought she was a Paris Hilton look alike.

   My favorite parts were the ACLU shootout, and the plantation scene.

   comment by michele — Sunday, October 5, 2008 @ 9:32 pm

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5. Nigel, I assure you that any Marine worth his salt is more than happy to be depicted as a steely-eyed killer by whomever.

   comment by Casca — Tuesday, October 7, 2008 @ 2:40 pm

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6. Casca…

   Steely-eyed, yes. Heartless…hell no.

   I presume you are a Marine. I am not. My respect for Marines is endless.

   comment by Nigel — Tuesday, October 7, 2008 @ 9:14 pm

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