As the holiday season approaches, it’s tradition to watch classic holiday movies to get in the groove of the holiday season. The 2000 classic holiday movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” has been enjoyed by many generations from the children’s book, published in 1957, that inspired it.
The voiceover is a combination of Dr. Seuss’ poetry and original material created from the film which was narrated by RnB artist, Pharrell Williams.
The 2000 movie version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring Jim Carey differs greatly from the 2018 cartoon version voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch.
The 2018 cartoon version is entitled “Grinch” which differed from the original title in 2000. Additionally, “Grinch” is a feature film from the studio behind the “Despicable Me” films called Illumination.
Mr. Grinch as he lays in bed, annoyed at Christmas carols played on the radio. @theOAFFC
This film takes on the same as it’s original plot in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The residents of Whoville are jolly and preparing for Christmas as usual. This time, their main theme is “making Christmas three times bigger.” Hence, bigger the tree, bigger the Christmas dinner and bigger the hearts that ring Christmas joy. However, the Grinch remains the same melancholy and grumpy individual who wants the residence of Whoville to join in his distaste for Christmas.
The main plot begins as Whoville attempts to make Christmas three times bigger than usual. The Grinch decides to become the anti-Santa Clause and steal every memorabilia that signifies Christmas to ruin it for the town. On the contrary, as The Grinch makes plans to become anti-Santa, Cindy Lou Who (the only named character of the book) devises a plan with her friends to trap Santa Clause on Christmas Eve night to speak to him face to face. Cindy Lou’s plan to trap Santa Clause is pure and innocent; she only wanted one Christmas gift, which was to spend time with her loving, caring and hard-working mother who is always busy.
Another difference of the 2018 “Grinch” film from its original movie is the representation of reindeer. Capturing reindeer for The Grinch had its challenging moments. As it relates to physical traits and character traits of the 2018 “Grinch,” Mr. Grinch takes on a more visible radiance. The original Mr. Grinch is frightful looking; however, the current Grinch portrays a glow. Furthermore, the original Mr. Grinch was almost always melancholy and treated Max, the dog, poorly. On the other hand, current Mr. Grinch is seen as less violent and closer knitted to his dog, as shown in the picture in Max’s room.
Mr. Grinch found relief away from the jolly residence of Whoville as he entered the local Whoville grocery store. @polygon
The performance of Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of The Grinch makes one empathize with the Grinch in this film. Mr. Grinch explicitly opens and describes why he’s grumpy and depressed during the holiday season, due to the Christmas season not being celebrated in the foster home.
Another major highlight of the 2018 “Grinch” movie is visuals and gadgets used. The visuals are truly merry and bright, and the gadgets Mr. Grinch used to capture Christmas gifts had a modern twist.
Throughout the film, Mr. Grinch saw representations that indicated love, family and happiness and began to feel somewhat empathetic throughout the film, but he let go of those feelings and remained on track with his plan to be the anti-Santa Clause. Moreover, the film takes a twist when Mr. Grinch successfully stole Christmas from Whoville. Although distraught, the residence of Whoville gathered and sang Christmas carols. It was at this point Mr. Grinch was bewildered that the residents of Whoville remained content. Cindy Lou Who, the catalyst in the movie, lit up with joy as she sang Christmas carols with her family, friends and the residents of Whoville.
This was a change of heart for Mr. Grinch as he looked upon Cindy Lou’s face from his dilapidated home and began to feel the happiness she felt. This cheer made Mr. Grinch regret his plans of destroying Christmas and apologized to the residents of Whoville.
Consequently, this tiny act of sincere apology allowed Mr. Grinch the head seat at the Christmas dinner table of Cindy Lou Who’s home. The 2018 film “Grinch” exhibited love, happiness and family. “Grinch” is a family-oriented movie that kids will enjoy. The film’s storyline teaches not only kids but adults as well that Christmas is about loving each other and spending quality time with family and friends.
This film receives 5 out of 5 paws!
