With the holiday movie season underway, Kalshi traders are forecasting a big bah-humbug from critics for Johnny Depp's new film, Ebenezer.
Kalshi's market forecast currently projects a 36.8% Rotten Tomatoes critics' score for Ebenezer, which would place it firmly in “Rotten” territory.
For informational purposes only. Not trading advice. See full disclaimer below. Kalshi is not affiliated with Ebenezer.
What’s it about?
Director Ti West, best known for A24's X trilogy, gives Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol a darkly comedic retelling, with Depp playing the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge.
Scrooge is a Christmas-hating skinflint who is visited by the ghost of his old business partner and three spirits who teach him the meaning of the holiday and the importance of charity and humanity. The film also stars Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, and Daisy Ridley.
The positive reviews
Although the review embargo for Ebenezer does not lift until 9 a.m. PT (noon ET) Thursday, Nov. 12, several critics have already shared their reactions on social media.
Filmspeak’s chief film critic Tom Chatalbash wrote that he was “pleasantly surprised” by the film’s charm and Depp’s performance.
“Depp is a fiendish delight as Scrooge, delivering a lively performance that thankfully balances the goofy charm and emotional gravitas that has been sorely missed,” Chatalbash wrote.
Clarence Moye, co-founder of The Contending and a Critics Choice member, praised West's direction of the frequently adapted story.
“Ti West brings a lovely gothic visual style which helps freshen an otherwise standard take,” Moye wrote. “Depp is great, standing with George C. Scott as the best of the modern Scrooges.”
Film and TV journalist Scott Menzel said he was impressed with Depp’s performance as Ebenezer Scrooge and the film’s technical aspects.
“Depp brings his own style to the beloved character and make his Scrooge feel like his own,” Menzel wrote. “It’s another iconic performance from the gifted actor, and one that I think audiences will love for years to come. In terms of the crafts, they are spectacular across the board.”
The negative reviews
Other critics were less enthusiastic, citing problems with the film's storytelling, humor, and performances.
Critic Steve Kopian criticized the film's editing and humor, saying some of its jokes failed to land.
“There are issues with editing of the story & the humor, which doesn’t always work,” Kopian wrote.
Nick Spake of Cartoon Contender and Flickreel praised the makeup, score and direction but criticized Depp's performance.
“It’s less Scrooge and more SNL cast member playing Depp playing Jack Sparrow playing Scrooge,” Spake said. “There’s a good Christmas Carol in here trying to get out. They just needed Depp and Ian McKellen to swap roles.”
El Planeta Del Cine journalist Alex Kokz praised Depp's performance but criticized the film for offering little new to the familiar story.
“Ebenezer is a stylish gothic take on A Christmas Carol, but without anything new to say and it’s just the same story all over again,” Kokz wrote. “I was expecting the kind of twisted mind Ti West of his previous movies, instead we have this.”
The takeaway:
Kalshi markets now predict:
Ebenezer’s Rotten Tomatoes rating: 36.8%
Follow Danny Gallagher on Instagram: @writerdannygallagher
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