A Christmas Carol (2011)

FREE SCREENING AT CURTIS HIXON PARK

You’ve probably heard this one before: crotchety old miser Ebenezer Scrooge (voiced this time around by Jim Carrey) makes life miserable for his employee Bob Cratchit (Gary Oldman), Cratchit’s family and anyone else who heaves into view. He hates charity, empathy, and above all, Christmas. But when he’s visited by the ghost of his former business partner, and then a series of spirits who reveal his own past and future, he sheds his terrible former self and opens his heart to the world.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol invented the modern Christmas story. Scrooge’s journey of self-examination, repentance, redemption, and communion with loved ones ends up forming the foundation of nearly every Christmas tale (or at least the nonreligious ones) from the Victorian era all the way up to the present day. It’s even the core of Jim Carrey’s other big yuletide IP: the Grinch. But though it’s a tale constantly retold, this version feels both nostalgic and fresh, thanks to lush and thrilling visuals from director Robert Zemeckis (building on his animation experience with The Polar Express) and powerful performances from a voice cast that also features Colin Firth and Cary Elwes. It all comes together in a gift-wrapped package of heartwarming adventure, captivating fantasy, and the timeless draw of a second chance.

This free, outdoor screening will take place at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa as part of the Winter Village celebration. Food trucks and concessions will be available; picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged!

This free, outdoor screening will take place at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa as part of the Winter Village celebration. Food trucks and concessions will be available; picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged!