Richard Donner's "Scrooged" - More Than Just a Christmas Comedy?

Okay, so I've been diving deep into director filmographies lately, and I just re-watched Richard Donner's "Scrooged" (1988). I know, Christmas movie, right? But hear me out. Donner, while known for his blockbuster stuff like "Superman" and "Lethal Weapon", he consistently plays with themes of redemption and societal critique, even if it's packaged in action or comedy. I think "Scrooged" is actually a pretty sharp commentary on corporate greed and the soul-crushing nature of the entertainment industry, especially in the 80s. Think about Frank Cross (Bill Murray, in peak sardonic mode). He's a complete monster, driven by ratings and profit, but Donner doesn't just paint him as a one-dimensional villain. The ghostly visits force him to confront the personal cost of his ambition – lost love, alienated family, and a general sense of emptiness. Yeah, it's a comedic take on "A Christmas Carol," but it's dark. The Ghost of Christmas Present, chewing out Frank and showing him the suffering his callousness causes, isn't exactly Santa Claus, is it? The casting, and the overall tone felt way too cynical and even a little scary for younger kids in my opinion My theory is that maybe, just maybe, Donner was using the Christmas framework as a Trojan horse to deliver a more biting message about the dangers of unchecked ambition. He gets away with it because it's a festive film. But it's the moments of genuine pathos, like when Frank sees Claire (Karen Allen) working at the soup kitchen, that really hits you. It's not just about being a better person; it's about recognizing the humanity in others that capitalism tries to strip away. I just feel like there's definitely a more to it than just another comedy, Donner's too good of a director to do something without some sort of statement. Anyone else feel that way or am I just overthinking a Christmastime movie lol? I'm curious to hear your thoughts, especially if you've studied Richard Donner's other work.