Dark Crimes (2016 / 2018)

C – 92m / 93m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: True Crimes
Inspired By The Article: “True Crime: A Postmodern Murder Mystery” by David Grann
Screenplay By: Jeremy Brock
Prod.: Brett Ratner
Assoc. Prod.: Jeremy Brock
Dir.: Alexandros Avranas
Starring: Jim Carrey, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Agata Kulesza and Parianna Figurska.

A murder investigation of a slain businessman turns to clues found in an author's book about an eerily similar crime. This abysmal monstrosity of a thriller has only the star powers of Jim Carrey and Charlotte Gainsbourg to recommend it. The aforementioned duo, Carrey and Gainsbourg, were in terrific shape as actors for this film. Otherwise the story is slight, there is never suspense formed at any time during the film, the script is weak and there is an excessive amount of material that could have and SHOULD HAVE been cut from this film. Even at a mere 93 minutes, this film is over–padded. If only Hollywood could bring back the days when films could be an hour in length and still be satisfying! If this had a better script and was 60 minutes instead of 93, the package of this film would have been in better shape. Sadly that is not the case. This fact alone may lead many viewers to either 1.) Skip this film, which is what this reviewer recommends doing, or 2.) Have their finger resting on the fast forward button on their remote, computer or phone. In any event, watch if you dare. Or be wise and see The Mask (1994) or Liar Liar (1997) for the hundredth time instead.

Trivia:

This film shot for 32 days in Krakow, Poland. Marianna Figurska (Olga in the film) was Agata Kulesza’s real–life daughter. The article that his film is based on, “True Crime: A Postmodern Murder Mystery” by David Grann, told the strange true story of Krystian Bala, a writer who was arrested for the murder of a Polish businessman. A detective called Jacek, from the Wroclaw police department in Poland, investigated the crime unsuccessfully and yet three years later reopened the case because he read a mystery novel that described murders too close in detail to the case for it to have been a coincidence.

Rated: [R] – Strong And Disturbing Violent / Sexual Content Including Rape, Graphic Nudity, & Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Scrooge (1935)

B&W / Colorized – 78m. / 63m. (Edited Public Domain Print) / 61m. (Bastardized Public Domain Print)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Seymour Hicks, Donald Calthrop

Scrooge is visited by 3 ghosts to bring him into the spirit of the season. A fair shot at the classic tale offers little in the way of a change in demeanor for Scrooge, captured in Hicks’ performance but does have good period detail. Good luck finding the full version of the film on DVD, however one can procure a bastardized public domain copy on Blu–ray.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol (1938)

B&W – 69m
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
A.K.A.: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Producer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Reginald Owen, Gene Lockhart, Kathleen Lockhart, Terry Kilburn, Barry MacKay, Lynne Carver, Leo G. Carroll, Ann Rutherford, D’Arcy Corrigan, Ronald Sinclair, Billy Bevan, Harry Cording, Herbert Evans, Douglas Gordon, Lumsden Hare, Forrester Harvey, Boyd Irwin, Colin Kenny and June Lockhart.

Scrooge is reformed for the Christmas holiday by three ghostly visitors. A good version of the often–filmed Dickens tale boasts of fine performances and good period detail. Admittedly Reginald Owen chews the scenery a bit as Scrooge, but it is forgivable. A couple of trivia notes: 1.) Lionel Barrymore was set to play Scrooge but had to back out of the film production due to illness. 2.) This is the only film with Gene Lockhart, his wife Kathleen Lockhart and their daughter, June Lockhart. Incidentally it is June Lockhart’s film debut.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol (1951)

B&W / Colorized – 86m. (Full Film) / 74 (Out Of Print Video Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
A.K.A.: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Scrooge
Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Alistair Sim, Jack Warner, Kathleen Harrison, Mervyn Johns, Michael Hordern, George Cole, Rona Anderson, Carol March and Peter Bull.

Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who help him get into the festive mindset for Christmas. Far and away the BEST version of the classic tale. Words cannot do this film justice. The usual notations of high production values and splendid acting can be stated here. I will close by agreeing with film historian and critic Leonard Maltin by saying that this is too good a film to be viewed only once a year.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol (2009)

C. – 96m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen. 3D / 2D. – Motion–Capture Animation / Animated
Writer, Pro. – Dir.: Robert Zemeckis. Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Cary Elwes, Robin Wright and Bob Hoskins

Scrooge has ghostly visitors on Christmas Eve and wakes a new man Christmas Day. Motion–Capture Animation allows the cast to voice various characters in the film. Impressive detail and visuals for animation of this kind. While it is faithful to the book, there are some liberties taken to show off the technology in 3D. Worth watching as these things go though. Suitable from age seven and up in this reviewer’s opinion. Preferably in 3D.

Rated: [PG] – Scary Sequences & Images

Available on 3D Blu–ray, Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy