My Movie Review on “How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 film) · 7:26pm Dec 10th, 2018
Hey, what's up guys.
I'm back in the house. And today, following my last review, I will be reviewing the 2000 live-action adaption of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".
In this live-action adaption of Dr. Seuss' classic story, the Grinch (played by Jim Carrey) is a creature who lives up in a mountain with his dog, Max. He hates Christmas and the citizens of Whoville, having held a grudge against each of them because of his past. In turn, he has been feared by the citizens of Whoville, with the exception of young Cindy Lou Who (played by Taylor Momsen) who wants to befriend the Grinch and learn what Christmas is really all about, and Martha May Whovier (played by Christine Baranski) who secretly has a crush on the Grinch.
I can definitely tell you that, unlike the animated film from 2018, this film can actually bring out a lot more laughs and smiles.
I mean, sure, it does have some flaws. But, there are so many positives that outweigh the negatives!
The humor that the film has is downright hilarious! Unlike the animated film, the jokes aren't as flat and are much better timed.
The story and plot line of the film is also really well done! Screenwriters Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman (who also wrote the screenplay for "Who Framed Roger Rabbit") were able to successfully adapt the actual story into a movie that says "I have reasons behind why and how I can be a film."; and, it doesn't feel like an extended version of the old cartoon either. I loved the backstory that they gave the Grinch, because it helped give him a little more depth. The best part about the story is that it has strong heart and warmth.
The direction by Ron Howard is additionally really awesome! He has captured the feel of a Dr. Seuss story brilliantly, and it's likely no other director could've done better than him.
The morals of the film are great too. It does teach that "no matter what, you should never be alone. Even on Christmas." But, it even teaches that "Christmas isn't about things like presents and contests. It's about love and family, as well as coming together."; and that, "You should never stop from exhibiting kindness and generosity towards others. Even to people who are mean and grouchy." All in all, the film's morals are strong and completely back each other up.
But, the film's heart and soul I would say particularly comes from Jim Carrey and his portrayal of the Grinch. Out of all of the others, Carrey has the best scenes and comedic-timing, and he captures the Grinch perfectly! Anyone else outside of Carrey likely would've really flunked it. The Grinch's character development is fantastic as a plus. It's much better executed than in the animated film, that's for sure.
I really enjoyed the performance of Taylor Momsen and her character of Cindy Lou Who to boot. Momsen has given off such innocence and warmth for her role, and her character has a definite purity that isn't like how many people portray children these days. She too has had great character development throughout the story.
As a plus, I highly commend the casting and narration of Anthony Hopkins. He has such a brilliant voice, and he has made the narration so engaging.
The only problems that this film had would include that the acting from many of the people who played some of Whoville's residents, such as Cindy Lou's parents, did seem partly exaggerated; and, there are a couple of cuss words. I won't be listing them due to that not being my cup of tea.
To boot, there are a few moments that seem, uh, rather disgusting:
1. While the Grinch is flying in the air after getting launched out of his dumpster-disguised slide tunnel, he accidentally lands on Martha. What's wrong with that part however is that his face lands on her cleavage.
2. During Carrey's take on the Grinch song (which was really awesome and funny, by the way) after he sings "You have termites in your smile", actual termites are shown crawling all over his teeth.
Then, finally...
3. While the Grinch is out on his Christmas-stealing crime spree, he robs the house of Mayor Augustus May Who (played by Jeffrey Tambor). While he's there, though, he hears the mayor talking in his sleep, having a romantic fantasy of him and Martha.
Overhearing his sleep-talking, the Grinch decides to play a trick on the mayor by grabbing his dog, Max, and making the mayor unwittingly kiss the dog's butt!
Disgusting, I know.
In the end, however, while the film does have its problems, it's totally worth the watch more than the animated film thanks to Jim Carrey's less than restrained creativity and comedic chops, as well as the film's humor, storytelling, and the character of Cindy Lou. I recommend this film especially for teens and adults, as I don't think it's too appropriate for children.
So, I rate Jim Carrey's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" a solid four out of five stars.
It sounds good too. I suspect I would like the newer one better, as I tend to like the newer versions of most movies, and I tend to like animated movies better, especially for this kind. However, it does sound good, especially the part about the morals of the film. All in all, another one to watch someday.
What a surprising and joyous coincidence that you chose to review Jim Carrey's version of the Grinch some hours after I commented about it. It's like I unintentionally urged you to review it.
But personally I would've given this adaptation 5 out of 5 stars, for I found no qualms with the film's problems you mentioned (including the disgusting portions you mentioned).
Coincidentally one of my favorite parts of the film is when Grinch is subconsciously singing Christmas songs with the Whos before jolting upright while shouting "RAAAH!!!!" with utter terror. What's your favorite part of the movie, my friend?
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this review.
When I first made the review of the animated one on my website, I had also planned to review the live-action version afterwards. It was to sort of give a comparison between the two films.
My favorite part was definitely the part where the Grinch tries to scare Cindy-Lou out of his cave after she comes to visit him, and he doing so many things like ripping a hole in a shirt.
Jim Carry was better in this than Mike Myers was in Cat in the Hat.
Now, this movie still stinks. But I'll attest it's better than Mike's two lone facial expressions: pedo-smile or happy-I-crapped-my-pants.
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I’ve never seen the live-action “Cat in the Hat” film very often, but, I have seen a couple of times, and I can definitely agree with you.
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It was a great comparison
The Grinch ripping his shirt up was definitely a reference to The Incredible Hulk.
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I'm really sorry that you don't like the film that much. Because in contrast, I really love it.