A Christmas Carol | Welcome To The Basement

[@Snottle1]

Lol at Matt immediately throwing the Jim Carrey Christmas Carol away from him like it was a venomous snake

[@ScottKorin]

Oh, well. I would have loved to see y'all talk about A Muppet Christmas Carol (my favorite version of A Christmas Carol), but, alas, the rules must be followed!

[@vinnydaq13]

My favorite version is 1951s "Scrooge" starring Alistair Sim. Outstanding movie!

[@jrkinnard1]

I miss the days when Craig used to say, "Big leather couch."

[@craigjohnson6423]

The first couple times was on mistake, then it was on purpose, then I forgot which one I was incorrectly supposed to say.

[@jrkinnard1]

@@craigjohnson6423 I'm so delighted to hear you did it on purpose.

[@LukeAurio]

The only thing I expect a couch gag from is the Simpsons 😋

[@bnbell]

The Alastair Sim version is a Christmas Eve tradition in our house; the second half of an "It's A Wonderful Life"/"A Christmas Carol" double feature.

[@tomflorio3639]

"We'll not forget Tony Tom", hahaha

[@pcwkid76]

So I'm gonna go with George C Sco... [Matt is immediately drowned out by disappointed Muppet fans going "Ooooooh!!!"]

[@andybearchan]

This is my favorite Christmas Carol. Period perfect, no corny made up scenes, and tiny Tim really does look sick.

[@brittanyschuttemeier3076]

Tny Tim looks like a zombie lol

[@carloscarmona1523]

You were both on fire on this one!

[@Hozak]

As someone who has played Scrooge five times in amateur productions of A Christmas Carol I can safely say that George C. Scott did a great job.

[@JakeKaufmanFilms]

I live for the Talking Heads references.

[@peanutbutteroven2660]

Aaaalll I waaaant is to breeeaathe...

[@zebuldevil5499]

I can’t believe you never saw this one up till this episode. This was one of my favorite holiday classics.

[@zachgreenwalt3168]

My Christmas Carol memory: as a kid, like many others, I could not get any sleep on Christmas Eve. Still struggle with it. I’ll be up until 4 and still wake up at 6 because I’m so excited to see my gifts and nowadays see others open up theirs. Anyway, my family wouldn’t wake up as early as me, so I would sneak downstairs and inspect the gifts, then move to the tv room. Now there’s nothing on tv a kid would like at 6 am on Christmas morning in 2002, so I found the only cartoon on: Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol. I have no idea if it was any good. I remember the animation and just the excitement I felt while watching this, “I gotta watch this because by the time it’s over, everyone will be up”. There’s my drawn out, slightly related Christmas Carol memory.

[@NatPix]

Zach Greenwalt, I loved the Mr. Magoo Christmas Carol! It had goofy animation, touching moments, and good humor.

[@Arosukir6]

Muppets Christmas Carol is my favorite to this day. I just watched it again this past weekend. Just so cute and fun to watch! It does a great job of making Christmas togetherness seem so wonderful, though it's hard to dislike Michael Cain now that I'm older (I legit hated Scrooge as a kid). It manages to still be terrifying at points. Somehow the meta jokes with Gonzo and Rizzo not only don't annoy me, they're some of my favorite parts!

[@gordieparenteau6555]

Revenge Of The Undigested Potato.

[@ThatJohnStanley]

I don't know why, but that whole "Jingle Buddies" bit particularly cracked me up. Thank you for making my day! Also, thank you for making my tomorrow with the Barnes & Barnes reference. I think I might just make it through this quarantine, thanks to these episodes! ❤✌

[@linkfan160]

Holy crap! Out of all of the versions of Christmas Carol that are out there, you guys picked my favourite! I'm so excited to watch this!

[@j0esmith]

That ‘Spiny Tim’ line got me good!

[@Ithilliam]

This is mine and my family's favourite version of A Christmas Carol. I grew up watching this version. George C. Scott is of course amazing, but so is the entire cast. It's incredible that this was a made-for-tv movie.

[@grfgtbhh34]

I AM SO HAPPY YOU PICKED THIS ONE I watched it a few years ago and I've been meaning to rewatch it this year, so this is further incentive. I read the book after seeing this version and I realized that most of my favorite moments from it weren't in the book. "God forgive me for the time I've wasted" might be one of my all-time favorite scenes in a movie. I guess this is one of the rare examples where the movie is (at least in my opinion) better than the book.

[@nointro]

How does this show not get more views? I've been watching for years and it's amazing!

[@tiberius915]

David Warner belongs in that impressive alum list too...

[@CannonRanger-1]

Spiny Tim. Ha! One of my favorite versions! Thanks guys and I hope you have a wonderful winter solstice celebration of your choice.

[@bethanygreen430]

aw beans i was hoping for some hot muppet christmas action

[@Ayanami0001]

Your analysis and riffs are getting better and better every episode. Quality content!!

[@dheisey1014]

IMO 1951 with Alastair Sim is the definitive. Probably just boils down to what you’re raised with.

[@RubesGoodBrainCoffee]

It's great to see that Weird Jimmy's still got it.

[@DeanStrickson]

I hope you guys will do Finney’s “Scrooge”. It’s my favorite version of “A Christmas Carol”. It was made by the same people who produced the Oscar winning musical of Oliver Twist. It’s really an underrated film nowadays.

[@thecountofmontecristo2796]

The George C Scott one is great but I have to admit my favorite is The Muppet's Christmas Carol.

[@Enshohma]

17:05 - I'm a huge fan of David Warner and the guy's never had many opportunists to play characters outside villains so I'm glad we have this film among the David-related outliers. However, if you want to see David doing comedy, check out the animated series Freakazoid where he plays a super intelligent yet childish and insecure super-villain named The Lobe.

[@tjg555]

Thanks, Matt, for the Time Bandits reference. One of my favorite movies! I didn't realize Cratchett was the same guy until you said that! :)

[@jjohnson9312]

Love everything you guys do! If you haven't discussed it before can you do a Seen it! on Scrooged or a Muppets Christmas Carol

[@jnwestray78]

My Christmas tradition is to have this movie, the Patrick Stewart one, the 1951 one, any other one, and this radio broadcast that play on OPB/NPR every year ( a couple of times, I think), playing all day, or for a couple days, all around the house. A Christmas Carol is what Christmas means to me, it is the best part of the entire year... maybe every year... maybe all of life.

[@mattwstewart205]

The perfect way to get festive! With my favorite movie buddies! Love you guys, happy holidays!

[@DaddyDaughterMovieNight]

Thank you for the "fish heads" reference. Brought back Shimmy-disc memories.

[@TheUncagedKestrel]

This is my favorite version of the tale, warts and all. I can't believe you didn't mention the most riff-able part: the Ghost of Christmas Future moves like he's on wheels! I like to imagine he's wearing rollerskates under his robe 😂

[@opuiyable]

One potato a man digests

[@jonathanstern5537]

Seem it, Red Cliff. It’s a 2 part Chinese film based on the novel of the same name, which is about The Battle of Red Cliff and the major players there in.

[@georgea.567]

Not going to lie I kind of like the Jim Carrey version.

[@NatPix]

The Mr. Magoo Christmas Carol is my favorite. I tear up at “I’m All Alone in the World” and love Razzleberry Dressing!

[@jpmoh1]

My favorite version was the late 90'a Patrick Stewart classic. I sometimes watch it in the middle of summer.

[@mAlbanese93]

I’ve always enjoyed this version of the story, George C. Scott is my favorite Scrooge. Thank you gentlemen! Merry Christmas! 🎄🎅🏻

[@thomashuddleston5315]

This is the first movie that I have actually watched before! Loved hearing your takes on it.

[@SleepFan771]

George C. Scott is my favorite Scrooge! Scott genuinely looks like he hates the world. This version's filmmaking is pretty incredible with the dark mood and lighting. As much as I love The Muppet Christmas Carol, the George C. Scott version of A Christmas Carol is the best film as far as I'm concerned.

[@tipsysprinkles206]

For glaring omission month: Smoke Signals! A film with a purely native production team. It's a wonderful film that at times portrays a painfully realistic portrayal of growing up on a rez. (Lots of childhood memories there) lol

[@CaptChrispy]

Like the Hamlet reference; often people don't realize that.

[@wiccanroo6686]

Scrooged, is the only Christmas movie I watch. But i loved this episode

[@stevnated]

I just got around to watching this one and you guys had me laughing all the way through! :)

[@jdshofner834]

Craig is properly mic’d! A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE! (Just messing around. Happy Holidays, WTTB!)

[@RLucas3000]

You guys bring great joy! Have you seen Witness for the Prosecution starring Charles Laughton?

[@09amandaaustin09]

Anyone remember the Henry Winkler "A Christmas Carol" it's a good one.

[@profshad3429]

An American Christmas Carol

[@Hero1922]

in the wrap up talking about scrooge's character me: "uh oh, parallels" "heart getting kicked alot, leading you to not leave it open" oof

[@Chris_Blaze94]

Am I the only one that gets really excited when Craig says "Old Leather Couch" instead of "Big Leather Couch" I'm always like "Yes! He said it right!"

[@annaheff7332]

Seen it - The Irishman? I LOVED it so much I don’t care how long it was!

[@JorbikGaming]

Have you seen The New Blood? It's a documentary about a trio of horror filmmakers in Rochester, NY. It gave me the same sense of love for an aspiring, but odd, filmmaker's struggle that Ed Wood did. If you haven't seen it, check it out. It's been a while since you've featured a documentary.

[@DanaWren]

Aw man! I was really hoping for the Muppets. darn.

[@PollyMacLolly]

I remember SCARY GARY from the 90s. My favourite performance of him is ROMEO IS BLEEDING. Classic 90s neo-noir.

[@kylecormier2862]

Hey Matt & Craig from BlameSociety i always loved & enjoyed the movies in Welcome to the Basement, this show that you make is awesome. & since this is the holidays can you do a Welcome to the Basement reaction of Jim Carrey's The Grinch please because that movie is always my favorite christmas movie.

[@zachzobary8550]

You should watch “Camp Nowhere”, grew up loving this movie where 4 kids con their own parents and set up an unsupervised summer camp with an alcoholic summer camp director played by Christopher Lloyd. Could help propel Doc into the Hall of Fame!

[@demona6662]

muppet christmas carol is the best

[@Trevin_Taylor]

Is this the first time both hosts have had a new haircut at the same time? Add it to the wiki.

[@Goldenspiderducck]

A Christmas episode with no gift?! Say it ain’t so, Ebenezer Sloan!

[@dotsonpaper]

Ah man, the Albert Finney is my absolute favourite.

[@michaeldanescu9964]

Hey guys. Have you guys seen Bill Forsyth's Local Hero? Such a great, heartwarming yet painfully melancholic picture.

[@tiberius915]

Scrooge talking Dracula to Michael Gough. I see what you did there.

[@nevet1212]

Just got this version of the movie yesterday, and I think I saw my package in Craig's hands. Here's hoping!

[@lopenash]

Craig _really_ nailing the David Lynch look!

[@Killbrokraft]

DAMMIT MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL! SO CLOSE!

[@chobitsai1]

I loved the b&w version and the Jim Carrey one. Have not seen the muppets....there is also the movie about Charles Dickens with the dude from Downtown Abbey....(have sick person brain). You know its a classic when you have multiple versions

[@youbecha64]

I have listened every time...including the SciFi episode, but never heard you mention "Forbidden Planet"...I apologize in advance if I missed it years ago...

[@Misadventures_85]

The movie's in the Seen It? of the Mac and Me episode

[@youbecha64]

@@Misadventures_85 I appreciate it...5 years ago, you must have an amazing memory!

[@Misadventures_85]

My memory's pretty good, jejeje. In this case: I used the Basement web site to answer your question.

[@calvinjluther]

Can't remember if you've talked about this, but have you seen THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS? One of the segments, The Gal Who Got Rattled, was filmed near Scottsbluff, a landscape I've always loved.

[@Misadventures_85]

Yeah, Craig and Matt have talked about Buster Scruggs. Check out the Scene It? portion of the episode The Ox-Bow Incident.

[@morieux1548]

I understand why Matt doesn't want to watch it but Jim Carrey's version is my favourite Christmas Carol, specifically because of the hammy way he delivers lines, most of which are taken wholesale from the original work. He provides a level of parable-esque drama that I feel is necessary for a script packed with so much 1800s vocabulary. The portions of the film that were clearly made to show off the 3D aspect of the movie are a little grating but I am willing to tolerate them just so I can hear Scrooge Carrey cry for some tenderness associated with death in that hammy, hammy voice.

[@samueltheprideofafrikarobi9319]

SEEN IT QUESTION/REQUEST I'm not sure how often you're asked if you've seen any foreign/Asian films as I don't see it often in your segments, but I'm very interested to know if either of you have seen either The Man from Nowhere or A Bittersweet Life. These are usually two of my "go-to" films when I'm trying to ease someone int Korean cinema as they're similar to American films in their structure. The Man from Nowhere being nearly beat-for-beat Denzel Washington's Man on Fire and A Bittersweet Life sharing a somewhat similar story and tone with George Clooney's The American.

[@PennyORadical]

Continuing by campaign since episode 1 for "Flight of Dragons" !!! It is an awesome movie that would be a great remake. After seven years of requesting it, I'm starting to become self-conscious that I look like some sort of Flight of Dragons obsessed person, but I've come too far to give up now.

[@pauldavis4657]

Have you seen Hi Fidelity? One of the few films that surpasses the source book. Also Troll hunter, one of my favourite non English language flicks.

[@Misadventures_85]

They discuss Hi Fidelity in the episode The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. And in the episode Lost Highway: the movie Troll Hunter is discussed.

[@RoseGold823]

Awesome episode but we all know Scrooged is the best of A Christmas Carol movies

[@gillianparker5798]

Seen it! Have you guys seen Mark Duplass’ Blue Jay? I loved it and felt like I was intruding on their reunion. Would love to know your thoughts. Love the show so much you guys are my favourites 💖

[@deadpan80]

0:04 digging the new John Lynch cut

[@STSGirl05]

If you guys haven't seen it, maybe this year you could watch An American Christmas Carol with Henry Winkler! One of my favorite adaptations of the story. My main issue with the GCS version is that i didn't feel like he changed. Like Matt said he just forgets what he learned with each ghost and goes back to being an ass. Frustrating bc i love the story so much. I still like this version quite a bit though.

[@greystoke1000]

Ahh that's too bad. The Jim Carrey version is the best. The artwork is based on the John Leech's art that he did for the original printing of the story in 1843.

[@RussellBarth]

Alice's Restaurant

[@OneUponADime]

A To Wong Foo Carol

[@tfangel]

Scrooged is still my favorite version of this story.

[@annaheff7332]

Seen it - Joker? (Or have they talked about this one already and I missed it?!)

[@bongodrumms]

Craig, for the love of god, PLEASE surprise Matt with the Jim Carrey version in the next episode.

[@tkczester]

I am the BATHROOM!

[@Diafotismos]

Speaking of motherfucking George C Scott, have you seen Exorcist III or The Changeling? Great horror with a great leading man!

[@aestevalis0]

Put on your weskit if you're gonna eat your vittles in the fo'c'sle.

[@ChipWhitingtonIII]

Craig's fresh new do.... SEEN IT!

[@sarabarelyhugs4732]

My mom has been wanting me to ask you guys if you've seen her favorite movie, "Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation"? She loves that movie and highly recommends it if you haven't

[@wschluch]

Seen It? Bubba Ho-tep. I feel unbelievably dumb when describing it. Had a great time watching it, though.

[@mrtveenstra]

They have. I can't remember in which episode they discuss it, unfortunately. Craig found it to be very sad.

[@Misadventures_85]

The movie is talked about in the Seen It? section of the fantastic, legendary, and classic episode of Tough Guys Don't Dance

[@wschluch]

@@Misadventures_85 many thanks!

[@thiccusmaximus2515]

My favorite version is with Jean Luc Picard himself: Patrick Stewart. I was hoping Craig was putting that out there. Makes me sad he didn't. :(

[@nevet1212]

Nooooo you guys talked about the musical one but didnt have it!? Do I need to send it?

[@gilrivera1813]

Sup guys, love the show. Have you seen License to Kill? In my opinion one of if not the best Bond film. Timothy Dalton was a great James Bond. It's a shame he only got to do 2 films.

[@JimmysALilGirl]

Craig still sounds like his microphone is broken in the opening scenes. It sounds like his audio is coming from Matt's microphone.

[@mattburkey8393]

What was the first made for tv movie on the Basement?

[@Misadventures_85]

Mazes and Monsters

[@drewhughes9127]

Have you Seen Harold and Maude (1971)? It’s my personal favorite film.

[@Misadventures_85]

Craig and Matt have discussed the film in the episodes Love Story and Eyes Without a Face

[@drewhughes9127]

Misadventures 101 ok, thank you.

[@Thegravy251]

Craig said one day that crying children make you feel like Eraserhead looks, now his hair looks like Eraserhead's, is his wife cutting his hair now?

[@governor_explosion]

I think you both summed up pretty well why, as a non-Christian who doesn’t watch most Christmas movies, I’m fine with A Christmas Carol, The Grinch, and Rudolph. Even though they all take place during Christmas, it’s ultimately all secular morals about not being a dick.

[@chobitsai1]

shoulda done christmas story...oh what a doozy