How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Merry December! I've decided to do a Christmas-themed movie marathon this year, followed with my own personal reviews each day! Starting with the live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000).

In the town of Whoville, all the Who's are concerned with getting the perfect presents, creating the perfect decorations, and baking the perfect meals, all for Christmas. All the while, annoying the Grinch in his mountain cave with the bustling noise. A small Who named Cindy Lou Who feels that her family - and the whole town - has forgotten what Christmas is all about and decides to invite the Grinch himself down to the town to celebrate.

This is probably one of the best adaptations of the Grinch to be released. It's loyal to its source material where it counts, but also tries to add a creative twist to the tale. For instance, the Grinch gets an "ugly duckling" backstory. Also, the Who's are consumer whores and have to be spoon-fed the true meaning of Christmas, as opposed to the original where they already understand it. Cindy Lou Who also has a much expanded role, unlike the original where she just woke to find the Grinch stealing her Christmas tree. She's closely involved in helping him become a better person in this live-action version.

My wife hates Jim Carrey, so she has a hard time watching this movie. She claims he "Jim Carrified" the Grinch too much. But if you ask me, I feel like he was born for this role. His physical comedy brings out the best cartoony Grinch in a live-action film. I absolutely love his take on the character!

I haven't seen the new Grinch movie that just came out, but I have a feeling it's not going to be a very good adaptation. Just from the trailers I've seen, the Grinch seems a bit... neutered. He just casually strolls through town, playing mild pranks? He seems like more of a jerk than a frightful terror. Perhaps I'll review it later this month.

But when it comes to excellent adaptations, Jim Carrey's Grinch takes the cake. As someone on the Internet recently said, "Jim Carrey's Grinch says "bitch," ate glass, and threw a whole child in the garbage." He's more faithful to the character than Benedict Cumberbatch's Grinch. This movie gets an excellent recommendation from me!