How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Plot

In the magical town of Whoville, live ‘The Whos’ – who love Christmas. Nearby lives ‘The Grinch’ a green haired being, who long ago abandoned Whoville after being humiliated by the townspeople.

One of the Whos, little Cindy-Lou Who – wants to let the Grinch return to town, and be given an award.

Direction

Ron Howard is the director here, and he makes some interesting choices.

There are some often chaotic camera movements and angles (especially an over use of the Dutch Angle) – as well as some extreme close ups. There are also some moments that the camera spins around – and I found that it was almost mimicking Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at times.

There is also some funny ‘action’ at times, and the ‘cartoonish’ theft of Christmas when Grinch steals Christmas.

Cast/Characters

Jim Carrey is perfect as Grinch, and no one could possibly have done the facial expressions like him.

Taylor Momsen in one of her first films is adorable as Cindy Lou, and tugs at your heart strings at times.

Secondary cast include Bill Irwin, Christine Barinski, Jeffrey Tambour and Molly Shannon amongst others. Howard’s dad and brother also appear in small roles.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

The town of Whosville is colourful (with attentions to the red and green of Christmas), and some very funny moments in the screenplay – which is what you can expect from a Jim Carrey vehicle.

The screenplay which is mostly lifted from Dr Seuss’s book of the same name (and narrated by Anthony Hopkins) – and even breaks the fourth wall in acknowledging his own rhyming.

Getting the backstory for the Grinch as a child (played by late Passions star Josh Ryan Evans) was a plus, as it gave him more humility and humanity.         

At 105m it feels a fraction too long, and could have had some slight editing to improve.

There could have been a little more attention to the musical aspect – with only two songs, Cindy-Lou’s ‘Where are you Christmas’ and Grinch’s ‘I’m the Grinch’.

Overall

I’m embarrassed to admit this was my first time watching this one, and I really enjoyed it – despite my ‘cons’ mentioned earlier.

A very big recommend for the kids (and adults!)

4/5