Parents Guide for
A Christmas Carol (2009) More at IMDbPro »

None.

"Hell" is said once or twice, as well as "ass" (used to describe a donkey and possibly Scrooge), but nothing worse than that.

Adults may hold up glasses during party scenes, but nothing is shown inside of them. A man is seen briefly using snuff. However, this was a perfectly legal substance and was very common at the time. It is simply an adherance to historical accuracy.

For the most part, this is a faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens' story and it should be borne in mind that the bulk of the narrative concerns four ghostly visitations. The film is dark in tone and features several 'jump out of your seat' moments, as well as some macabre imagery, which is accentuated if viewed in 3D. It can be argued that it is too frightening for very young children but those of ages ten and over should have no problem with it.

The ghosts that visit Scrooge can be frightening in their own ways. Young children might be most scared by Jacob Marley's ghost, whose appearance is ghoulish and who wails loudly. At one point, his jaw becomes unhinged and he continues trying talking to Scrooge like that until he re-fastens it.

The Ghost of Christmas Present reveals two malnourished, angry children, who represent Ignorance and Want. They both act savage-like and insane.

The Ghost of Christmas Present dies a somewhat disturbing death. As a clock tolls, he ages and becomes a skeleton who then fades to dust while laughing throughout.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come sequence is prolonged and intense. It can frighten young children.

Fear of death is a theme that runs throughout the film.