First reactions: what does the American press think of Johnny Depp’s return as Scrooge?

The first reviews praise the actor’s performance and the gothic atmosphere of this new adaptation of Dickens, even if some regret a film that is too classic…

After several years away from Hollywood, Johnny Depp returns to the forefront with Scroogenew adaptation of Christmas story by Charles Dickens signed Ti West. This is the first feature film produced by a major studio in which the actor plays a role since his high-profile trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard in 2022. Scrooge will be released this Wednesday, November 11 in French theaters, and the first reactions from the American press published on social networks after the screenings organized by Paramount in New York and London are generally positive. There is consensus on one point: the performance of Johnny Depp, disguised as an old miser…

The media The HoloFiles believes that the film does not reinvent A Christmas Carolbut signs a faithful, atmospheric and superbly illustrated adaptation, carried by a phenomenal interpretation: “Johnny Depp is the ideal Scrooge, on the level of Alastair Sim and Michael Caine. Ti West draws on its horror roots to multiply disturbing gothic sequences and images. Tramell Tillman absolutely steals the show as the Spirit of Christmas Present. In the end, a brilliant adaptation of a timeless story, which marks the resounding return of a true movie star.“

FilmSpeak chief critic Tom Chatalbash also said he was pleasantly surprised. He describes Scrooge as “a delightfully mischievous Christmas entertainment and a solid comeback vehicle for its star“. He finds that Johnny Depp “is a delight in the role of Scrooge, with a lively performance that fortunately manages to find the balance between whimsical charm and emotional gravity, two qualities that we had sorely missed.“The critic also appreciates the horror touch of Ti West, who gives the film an immersive gothic identity while preserving the heart of Dickens’ story and bringing some new nuances to the journey of old Scrooge. His conclusion can be summed up in one sentence: “Quite simply, it’s nice to see Johnny Depp on the big screen again.“

Same enthusiasm from Clarence Moye, member of the Critics Choice Association, who highlights the director’s gothic visual style, capable of refreshing an otherwise fairly classic adaptation: “Ti West brings a superb gothic aesthetic that helps breathe new life into an otherwise fairly conventional retelling. And of course, Depp is great: he joins George C. Scott among the best Scrooges of the modern era.“His colleague Tony Mosello mentions”a revitalized version of the famous Victorian fable about redemption, driven by a fun, eccentric and energetic interpretation by Johnny Depp”. He also praises Ti West’s horrific accents, his intriguing and disturbing images, as well as the solidity of the secondary cast.

Not everyone is convinced, however. Ren Vieira acknowledges that the film ticks all the boxes Christmas storybut regrets that it does not offer anything really distinctive:

“I’m a huge fan of A Christmas Carol and Ebenezer captures all the ingredients perfectly, but nothing in this version stands out or makes it unique. The artistic direction, production and sound work are fantastic, but it’s just Depp doing his whimsical Scrooge, nothing more than his old tricks… Claflin and Grint are very wise.“

Even more severe, Robert Ortiz sums up his feeling bluntly:

“Scrooge is not bad… I suppose. The film is technically well done and Johnny Depp certainly has the look and acting that suit the character, but he commits two sins: he is quickly forgettable and simply boring, especially if you already know A Christmas Carol. He brings nothing new and does not justify his existence.“

Finally, British critic Phil Roberts welcomes a daring rereading of Dickens’ classic, which combines sincerity, emotion and despair:

“Ti West puts a daring spin on the Dickens classic, with a heartfelt period film shot through with heart and despair. Johnny Depp is magnetic throughout Scrooge’s journey of redemption, until a finale that evokes stronger emotion than those of his predecessors. Hum bug!“