The producers of "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992) hit a home run when they hired Michael Caine to play Ebenezer Scrooge!
The key to this being an enjoyable movie and not just a parody is having a strong Scrooge at the heart of it. Michael Caine nails it because he plays the role straight. He never seems as if he's acting with Muppets rather than humans. I think that's probably harder than it looks, but he's a total pro that can play anything.
Back in 1992, it seemed like Michael Caine was in every other movie, some of which were not as prestigious as others, but he never acted like he was above the material and he certainly does not here.
He has a pretty good Scrooge look here, but it's mainly just the hairdo and costuming. Nothing over the top. And as usual for him, he uses his regular voice and doesn't try to speak in a more Scroogey manner. His natural Cockney accent is British enough for American audiences, whether or not that would likely have been Scrooge's accent.
I always thought Michael Caine kind of looks and talks the same in very movie, yet is totally convincing due strictly to acting. And he delivers the goods here!
Next, we take a look at the wacky Muppet supporting cast!
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