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An American Carol - Review

An American Carol Movie Poster
Rated: PG-13
Distributor: Vivendi Entertainment
Release Date:  2008-10-03

Starring: Kevin Farley, Kelsey Grammer, Trace Adkins, Robert Davi, Leslie Nielsen, Dennis Hopper, James Woods, Geoffrey Arend,Serdar Kalsin, Jon Voight

Directed by David Zucker
Produced by Stephen McEveety, John Shepherd, David Zucker
Written by David Zucker, Myrna Sokoloff, Lewis Friedman

Visit the movie's Official Site!

Reviewed by Rafe Telsch : 2008-10-04 13:49:20
Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol is so iconic, it’s almost become the standard for Christmas specials. Everyone from Patrick Stewart to Michael J. Fox has played some form of Ebenezer Scrooge, and it’s gotten to the point that just about every original twist that could be taken on the story has been done. Leave it to David Zucker (Airplane!) to find one other twist, by transforming the holiday from Christmas to the Fourth of July, and targeting Hollywood’s liberal habits along the way.

The Scrooge figure in Zucker’s tale is Michael Malone, an obvious spoof on documentarian Michael Moore, right down to a repeating gag about how documentary filmmaking isn’t real filmmaking. Following the accusations made in real life by the conservative right, Moore’s fictional counterpart’s filmmaking is motivated by a disgust and dislike of what America has become, to the point that Malone is leading a rally to cancel the Fourth of July. Unfortunately for Malone, he’s about to receive visits from the spirits of three notable political figures who aim to teach the documentarian the real meaning of the Fourth of July, and transform the liberal filmmaker into a super patriot.

There’s no getting around the fact that An American Carol has a strictly-Republican agenda. The movie strives to deconstruct Michael Moore’s liberal filmmaking, and really pushes the party line that we have to take the steps we take in the war against terror, “or else the terrorists win!”, right down to a depiction of Hollywood should the war on terror be lost - Binladenland, where women wear burkas and the classic Hollywood sign has been rearranged. Frankly, I give Zucker credit for bringing a parody flick forward that actually has any kind of agenda - it’s a refreshing change from the recent rash of flicks that aim to cram as many pop culture references into ninety minutes as possible.

I also have to give a bit of credit to some of the comedic performances An American Carol holds. Actor Kevin Farley has actually managed a decent career without being noticed, despite being the younger brother of the late Chris Farley. Here he blends together the double takes of his older brother with the look of Michael Moore, resulting in a part that lacks much in the way of subtlety, but is pretty hilarious to watch, especially as he gets smacked around and proves quite adept in slapstick comedy. Kelsey Grammar dominates the screen as always in his sizable role as General George Patton, and Robert Davi plays an awesome villain as always. A bit questionable casting is Trace Adkins, who plays himself but then also fills in as the Angel of Death/ Ghost of Christmas Future figure. After seeing JFK, Patton, and George Washington (an almost unrecognizable Jon Voight) as the other spirits, a contemporary country musician feels randomly plugged in. What, they couldn’t find any additional Republican figures to fill in?

Although Zucker’s story is a refreshing change from the poor excuses for farce comedy we’ve been subjected to in recent years, it’s still not a return to high form for the comedic director. The movie is so steeped in its conservative agenda that it lacks any real focus. It’s fun watching Farley get knocked around by the spirits and other things, but eventually Ebenezer Scrooge had to learn a lesson of his own shortcomings - the mistakes of his past and the ultimate fate of his future. That frame feels like the weakest part of An American Carol, resulting in an extremely weak story. The shots at Democratic policies, procedures, and antics are funny enough, even for someone from the left side of the fence, but without a legitimate story to hold the movie together, it winds up being a considerable disappointment.

An American Carol isn’t likely to ruffle any political feathers and it lacks anything else that might make it stand out. With a release date that fails to capitalize on either the Fourth of July or Christmas, this adaptation of Dickens’ classic is just a little bit of noise during a political season that already has too tight a grip on most people’s attention for a piece of fluff like this to be noticed.

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  1. bill Says:

    I'll just put it as vague as possible and just say that I agree with what this movie is about. So when I saw that you gave it 2 stars I was instantly thinking your biased, but to my surprise you weren't as biased as other reviews and also pointed out flaws of the movie that weren't politically based. My two biggest fears for this movie is the outrageous story that he wants to abolish July 4th. It would have been better if he just didn't want people to celebrate it. Also knowing the ending to A Christmas Carol I know that that ending would not work for this movie because I'm a firm believer that it's impossible to change peoples opinions especially for a spoof on someone with very strong opinions. It would just be really corny if Michael Mahone "sees the light" in the end of the film. It should end with his belief not changing at all. I think it would be hilarious if that happened.

  1. Phil Miller Says:

    This isn't a movie for everyone. You'd have to be a conservative to really enjoy it which I did. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments. I think the movie is comparable to the Naked Gun but not as good as Airplane or Top Secret, two of the funniest movies I've seen.

  1. e Says:

    The 3 spirits werent 3 republican spirits. The Marley character was John Kennedy, then it was Patton, Washington and Trace Adkins as the Angel of Death.

    I think the Trace Adkins appearance is more of a reflection of today's conservative American. All the other characters were conservatives from the past (yes, Kennedy would be considered a conservative especially relative to todays democrat).

    This is not a republican or a democrat movie but a conservative vs. liberal ideology.

  1. TWP4U Says:

    3 Republican figures????? last time i checked JFK was a democrat.

  1. robert prosek Says:

    funny movie, well done, good cast. Political light humor. I woudl recommend to friends.

  1. reginajazz Says:

    JFK would be a Republican today...He cut taxes, believed in a strong Military, Loved America...the dems of today are so far left that JFk would not recognized his party - just as I do not, my parents and grandparents do not. They have turned socialist. I lived in Europe. I know what 70% tax means.

  1. Gus Says:

    What kind of idiot filmmaker and actors would ignore the right wings constant mantra to stay the hell out of politics? Oh yea... this is a CONSERVATIVE filmmaker and CONSERVATIVE actors, so what they have to say is legitimate. What a bunch of phoney propagandists.

  1. Mistress Koloth Says:

    Loved the movie
    Just got back from seeing American Carol. It was well worth the money. Now it wasn't always the laugh fest like Airplane, but I don't think it was meant to be. It was thought provoking as you look at one of the greatest Democratic leaders JFK and his Inaugural Address and see how much has changed since then. How Obama has twisted JFK's message and distorted it. It shows the radical indoctrinating of our kids in college, to what it means to really love your country. I don't want to give that much up, but it was very good. I too teared up because those that love this country so very much, it means something when true history is portrayed.

    My biggest dismay was that the theater was pretty empty. This was a bit disheartening because I want it to do good. I want Hollywood to know that we don't want their anti-American rhetoric. I want them to feel ashamed on how they treat this country. We live in the real world. We face real threats. This movie is great. Please support it

  1. Morris Rich Says:

    If you listen JKK's speaches tou would think he was a very coserative. The socialist liberial's have stolen the democratic party.
    God Blless The U.S.A.

  1. JRinGA Says:

    How many movie reviews state that a movie is slanted toward Democrats or the left? None. The fact that this movie has generated a conservative (different from republican) and republican monicker in a review just goes to show how biased media is. This shows how pissed off the media is. I think I will start a movie review site and state how politically biased each movie is. I should be shut down in a week. Go watch this movie and just enjoy a laugh and forget about what is happening in the real world for 2 hours. We sure need a break from the stress

  1. TL Says:

    My wife and I went to see the movie on opening night. The first showing was sold out, so we bought tickets for the next one, had some dinner and came back 15 minutes before the start. The theatre was already packed, so we had to sit in the front row. There were several laugh out loud moments, particularly when they played the training film for would be suicide bombers. It was appealing there was no political correctness in this film. I was laughing at things we're told we're not supposed to not laugh at anymore. Laughing at a stupid terrorist who blows himself up and fails his mission because he's not punctual could very well be offensive to some. After all, he was likely Muslim and that might mean that I think all Muslim's are stupid. I laughed because it was funny.
    The filmmakers brought humor to many core beliefs I have and I found it enjoyable and refreshing. They made fun of strongly held beliefs by the far left, thanks in part to the documentaries of Michael Moore, like Cuba enjoys a significantly superior healthcare system to the United States. None of us know why so many on the far left are so angry, but I'm guessing that this film won't make them any happier. I enjoyed it a lot and will reccommend it to others. A number of people in the theatre I attended applauded it at the end.

  1. Jim Says:

    Gee what a surprise. The Hollywood reviewers are giving An American Carol a 2 then praising Religion and giving it a 5, I am sure W will get a 5 plus. Guess we need to start some thing like a American Bollywood and dump the liberal Hollywood.

  1. Thoughts of a Genius Says:

    I just came from seeing An American Carol - and I must say that it was a lesson in history that many people in this country have forgotten, and may in due course pay the consequence if the history is not remembered. Reviewers have come on and stated that this movie has a Right slant on things - OH DUH - once again articulate to us like we're idiots and that Hollywood and the bottom-dwellers that yield on the ignorance of Hollywood have all the answers. The movie is about humility - not comedy - it points out the values we as Americans hold dear to our hearts - it's not Republican or Democratic - it's American. Those who want to jeopardize this country with litigation and spewed rhetoric of hate against the country that has given these rights must remember what is at stake - in the morning the Hollywood elites will still be prosperous - and you will still have to get up to go to work - then again those on the left may stay home while those of us on the Right support you.

  1. Cindy925 Says:

    I loved this movie! I think many of the comments above are right - many critics will call this a "Republican" conservative movie, although I never hear the movies that bash America characterized as a liberal/democrat movie. As equally divided as our nation is with our political views, you would think Hollywood stars would just stick to entertaining us (their job) instead of telling us how to vote - they are going to tick off half the population once they start "preaching" their political views - they have no right to tell me how I should vote. I am so glad to finally have a movie to go see that represents my view of America. I laughed and cried throughout the movie. I am sure the ones who really need to see this movie, which shows how really ridiculous some liberal thoughts are, won't - maybe because the truth hurts too much? Don't know, but I can tell you that I have been encouraging everyone I know to see this movie. Can't wait to go see it again myself and can't wait to buy it when it comes out on DVD. Maybe Hollywood will learn something and give us more movies like this. America is the best country in the world with our freedoms and free market. Why do so many illegals want to get in our country if it is in such bad shape? My favorite scene was when Malone was being overrun at a rally and the military stepped in to protect him - even though it was an anti-war rally. Would love for our military to get copies of this movie. It would be a great way to show our soldiers that America is good and we believe in them and that they fight a just cause - for freedom and liberty in the world.

  1. David Says:

    I'm looking forward to seeing the movie. It's about time the right started using the media(movies) to point out the humor in the far lefts ideas (or lack of).

  1. sharon Says:

    My sister and I loved this movie. We loved the fact that it was politically incorrect. The crowd in the theater absolutely cheered at the ACLU sceen. People left the theater smiling. I love my country and I am tired of the constant crisicims by the press, celebrities, and politicians who can only talk about everything that is wrong with it. This country is not perfect, but this movie was "feel good" movie about my country. There was a lot of laughter in the theater during the entire movie, however, no suprise that the movie critics are panning it. I have stopped going to a lot of movies any more, where I used to go often, because of many of the actors/actresses. I am not going to contribute to their income in any way. I know I am "small potatoes", but it is a matter of principle to me. Thanks for the "feel good" movie American Carol. More please.

  1. James L Taylor Says:

    I consider myself a liberal (not far left) and I thought this movie was hilarious. It was a good break from the far left and far right spewing.

  1. Tom in KY Says:

    That looked like something Mel Brooks would do; I love Mel Brooks, and some others.
    This was a combination of HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART 1, BLAZING SADDLES and Christmas Carol. Sure to be a silent success. Go see it.

  1. Don Tremaine Says:

    I agree with the comment about JFK. Michael Moore, George Clooney.... these eliteist hollywood clowns are so political motovated. All of Moores so called documentarys are so far left and totally off base. The issue is not just conservative or liberal it's republican or democrat. Republican=conserative, ldemocrat-liberal. I was born in California and my wife won't budge from here. I would love to move to a free state like Arizona, but that will not happen. I have not seen this movie as I just heard about it today. But anything that mocks the extreme left will be quite enjoyable to me. The left just makes me sick...

  1. Yolada\'s Captive Says:

    The trailers great,, it takes on lesbians (they look like Men), gays (Michael Moore loves them), it takes on Muslims (they are dumb), it takes on the liberal media (they hate America), it takes on blacks (they're not white), it plants it's feet with Bill O'reilly (a staple father figure.. Papa's perambulating journey through the muck.), and drives an urgent message home. "War!!!!!!!!" Got to see this.. Especially now.

  1. Phil Miller Says:

    Cindy925,
    That is an awesome idea. They should show this movie to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan who are fighting for our freedom and our security. There's a youtube video where people are interviewed about how they felt after watching the movie and one guy who is obviously a foreigner because of his accent talks about how he loves this country and can't understand why some people who live here all their life would hate it so much. Also, whether people realize this or not but the new Batman move, "The Dark Knight" was also a right leaning conservative movie which was the most successful movie this summer. In fact one could argue that The Dark Knight represents the Bush Doctrine in effect which the Wall Street Journal has written a column on.

  1. Strad Says:

    I went to see this movie with my 18 year old daughter and we both thought it was fantastic! i think it is a sign of just how good it is that the generally Left-leaning press has grudgingly given it relatively passable reviews. I have no doubt that they were hoping to be able to savage it mercilessly. After all, Liberals generally tend to be extraordinarily humorless people and they are particularly incapable of laughing at themselves. This is a hilarious, laugh-out-loud film and everyone should see it. Unfortunately, I saw it at a theater in Los Angeles which is a lost cause as far as Conservative values are concerned. Consequently, there weren't a lot of people in the theater for the 7:30 Saturday night show. Everyone there laughed uproariously throughout, and when it ended bust into prolonged applause and cheers. Go see this movie! It's a real hoot as well as an important lesson in freedom of speech and old-fashioned American values!

  1. Kent Says:

    I've read several "reviews" of this movie. I'm seeing it tomorrow to make up my own mind but if I hadn't wanted to see it, the reviews I've read so far would have encouraged me to see it. If some people don't think that Hollywood and it's stooges, the film critics, are not in the tank for the Democrat party and liberalism, they really shouldn't be allowed out of their houses or left to play with any sharp objects. One thing I've found out about liberals over the years, they really don't have a very good sense of humor about themselves do they. They love to see an old woman slip on a banana peel if she's a conservative. That's satire. But if she's a liberal! Oh my goodness! How crass! How mean spirited! How "un-artistic"! And one other thing. Micheal Moore a "documentary" film maker? He's a lying propagandist at best. I'm looking forward to watching the noses of the liberals get tweaked and the checks get slapped big time tomorrow.

  1. David Says:

    Wow what a surprise another negative review. For being a movie that tows the republican line so much its interesting that the director chose one of the most influential democrats of the 20th century to be one of the main characters. The movie was great, hilarious, and poignant, too bad most reviewers will be too biased by their own political views to give a dumb movie that made a great point a fair shake.

  1. mauren Says:

    Actually saw the film and actually liked it. Much better made and acted then I had expected. There really was little to fault. Got some hearty laughs,mostly at the expense of terrorists,not fellow Americans. I would recommend it and give it a 3 star. People in the theater clapped at the end since it made you proud,for a pleasant change. It is mainly pro-America and pro-military while being fun. What's not to like?! Go see it ..... and make up your own mind.

  1. MJSlack Says:

    Saw it today, liked the fun! Many parody laughs, and reminded me libs have no sense of humor. I'll give it a 3.9.

  1. McUna Says:

    Very funny movie. Laughed from beginning to end. Hilarious! I highly recommend it for a good laugh and a great evening. Refreshing point of view and it's good to make fun of both sides...

  1. Huh. Says:

    What is it, about this film and "Fireproof?" You've all just come out of the wood work for these two, huh?

    Seriously, guys - these two are shit films. Whether or not it contends with your particular ideology is no excuse for poor storytelling, and this is especially the case with "Fireproof."

  1. Jedd Says:

    This movie was supposed to stick it to liberalism but as a conservative I feel like I'M the one who got stuck -- stuck with having to pay to see this turkey and stuck with having to lose 90 minutes of my life hoping and praying it would be a good flick (which it wasn't). Being preachy isn't entertaining and this film is little more than a dull civics lesson in patriotism. The first five minutes showed promise but after that the laughs were few and far between. The writing is lazy, the acting is bad and direction is ponderous. Thanks a lot, David Z. -- please retire.

    My advice is this: skip seeing "An American Carol" and rent "Team America" if you want to see a movie that delivers social commentary, entertainment and -- here's a concept -- is actually FUNNY.

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