The Grinch Will Always Be A Christmas Classic

It’s the most wonderful time of the year yet again, and time to start watching those holiday favorite films. An all-time Christmas classic will always be The Grinch, while the animated version following the original story line by Dr. Seuss, one can’t help but appreciate the comedy of Jim Carrey in the 2000’s film. Universal Studios first released The Grinch on Nov 17, 2000 and it was the first ever Dr. Seuss book to debut as a full film.

The film opens with fast-moving camera work bringing viewers into the scope of inside a snowflake. Inside this tiny snowflake rests all of “Whoville“and we are instantly submerged into this creative society. With “whos” busy doing their Christmas shopping, the film sets up their community similar to our own. With it being Dr. Seuss though, nothing looks like our own holiday season. There are wacky outfits, crazy hairstyles, and funny looking noses. The costume of each character on scene is impeccable, as not one individual looks alike. It isn’t until we meet the Grinch we see the magic behind makeup. Jim Carrey plays the role of the Grinch and his bah-humbug attitude. His green and hairy body suit completely transforms his physique and appearance.

The script of the film is well written, given the fact that the story line started as a children’s book. Producers included all the original rhymes and even incorporated some new ones, giving the film even more creativity. All of the main characters are fully developed, and portrayed perfectly in comparison to the story. Cindy Lou Who consists of just the right amount of cuteness with her soft voice, and innocent outlook on the wretched Grinch. Jim Carrey plays the character of the Grinch just right with his standoutpersonality, and truly creates a 180 effect when the Grinch’s heart grows.

Most Christmas films include an emphasis on family and loved ones, with a hint of romance. While The Grinch does fall under this generalization of holiday films, it does it with a twist. We follow the life of a character who hates Christmas but then, of course, eventually learns to love the holiday. The Grinch’s heart “grows three sizes”, and he learns to love the holiday cheer as well as everyone around him. In the end, he even gets the girl like most movies.

The film includes some musical pieces that are worked in nicely, but not so many where it would categorize the film as a musical. It includes two Christmas classics; “Where are you Christmas?” Performed by the adorable Cindy Lou Who, and “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch“. The rest of the soundtrack encourages holiday cheer for the audience.

The story-line jumps between past and present, as well as between characters. These film cuts are smooth in transition between current and past story-lines. Viewers are never confused as to what time period they are in. The overplay of the narration throughout the film is carefully placed, and ties in the “story book” feel of it all.

Including sappy Christmas emotions further exploiting your own holiday cheer, this classic will also have you laughing with the comedic performance of Jim Carrey. You too will want to be a “who” and live in “Whoville” with the way their community is depicted, and their love of Christmas. The Grinch should be on everyone’s holiday film list; A tradition that lives on.

The Grinch, Universal Studios, directed by Ron Howard. Starring: Jim Carrey, and Taylor Momsen. Runtime: 104 minutes.

Overall Rating: 4 Stars

Detailed Rating:

Plotline- 4 stars

Character Development- 5 stars

Cinematography- 4 stars

Special Effects (including makeup)- 5 stars