Johnny Depp's "Ebenezer" reaches U.S. theaters Friday, Nov. 13, and critics are divided on the darker new take on Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."
After the review embargo lifted Thursday, the film stood at a "Rotten" 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 68 reviews, according to ComicBookMovie.com.
Several critics focused on Depp's performance. IndieWire headlined its review "Absolutely Insufferable," and New York Magazine said Depp is the weakest part of an otherwise pretty good movie. Empire called the film a thoroughly conventional adaptation. Others were warmer: Deadline said Depp goes full Scrooge in a horror-flavored take on the classic.
Dread Central gave the film two stars. Its critic said director Ti West makes a convincing, scary Scrooge but doesn't buy his change of heart.
On the box office, the film is projected to open with $20 million to $23 million domestically. That could give Depp his first No. 1 weekend since 2018's "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald."
For faith-minded viewers, the reviews raise a fair question: does the redemption at the heart of Dickens' story still land? The film is rated PG-13 for frightening material, so parents of younger children may want to preview it.
At its core, "Ebenezer" still tells of a hardened man given one last chance to change, the second-chance message that has kept "A Christmas Carol" a holiday tradition for many families of faith.
Related articles:
- Johnny Depp Ebenezer Family-Friendly: What Faith Viewers Should Know
- Johnny Depp's "Ebenezer" Opens Friday: Premiere Remarks and What Faith Viewers Should Know
