Early 'Ebenezer' reactions are split, with praise for Depp's layered Scrooge
The first takes on Johnny Depp's holiday comeback, "Ebenezer," have hit the web, and critics aren't singing the same carol, per MovieWeb.
One writer for JoBlo admitted they weren't initially excited but said director Ti West brings a darker, more sincere look to the Dickens tale. That reaction praised Depp's performance as cartoonish yet more layered than the trailer suggests.
However, film critic Lewis Powell delivered a brutal counterpoint, calling the movie "truly awful" and describing it as chaotic and horrifically ill-judged, despite praising its production design. Another critic, Phil Roberts, offered a positive view, calling the film a bold, sincere period piece with a magnetic lead performance from Depp.
MovieWeb notes the studio may be bracing for rough reviews, as the official review embargo lifts on November 12, just one day before the film's wide theatrical release.
