Year:
2000
Studio:
Columbia Pictures/Imagine Entertainment
Movie:
3/5
DVD:
2/5
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the live-movie adaptation of the late
Dr Seuss' story of the same name. Now, having seen the cartoon version
I didn't think a live-action version could be any near as good. But
after seeing the movie I was pleasently surprised. The additions to the
story to bring it up to a full-length movie add to the movie rather
than making it too long. Jim Carrey did a good job as the Grinch and
his facial expressions and physical comedy came through just fine.
This is the story of the Whos, basically human-like people who live on
a snowflake. They all live in happiness and harmony with Christmas
being their big holiday. Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen), an eight year
old Whovian, has doubts about Christmas. It's such a commercial and
happy holiday, but what's the point?
Cindy is also intensely curious about the Grinch, a former Whovian who
has exiled himself on a remote mountain overlooking Whoville. She finds
out more about him and encourages the town to accept the Grinch back as
one of their own. Unfortunately, the Grinch was hurt deeply as a kid
when he tangled with now Whoville mayor, Augusts Maywho (Jeffrey
Tambor), over the love of Martha May Whovier (Christine Baranski). The
whole Grinch-Martha May romantic subplot is a nice addition to the
story.
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The Grinch
comes down to Whoville where he is greeted with open arms. But Augustus
is jealous of the Grinch so ha sabotages everything. In retaliation,
the Grinch dresses up as Santa Claus and on Christmas night he goes
down to Whoville and steals all the presents. And from that we get the
true meaning of Christmas.
The DVD has no commentary, but it does have about an hour of behind the
scenes footage, featurettes on the makeup and special effects, and
Faith Hill's "Where Are You Christmas?" music video. There are also
some games and recipes and sing alongs for the kids.
What I liked: the romantic subplot. Taylor Momsen's performance.
What I didn't like: a bit too juvenile for my tastes.
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