Today’s quick review: How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Just outside Whoville, the Grinch (Jim Carrey) broods in his lair. Christmas is approaching, and with it all the gift-giving, singing, and celebration that he loathes. Unable to take it any longer, the Grinch sets out to terrorize Whoville and ruin Christmas for the Whos. But one little girl, Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen), sets out to prove that the Grinch has goodness in his heart.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a family Christmas comedy based on the book by Dr. Seuss. Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch, a green, furry misanthrope who hates Christmas most of all. How the Grinch Stole Christmas is an elaboration of the classic story, fleshed out with new characters, a larger role for Cindy Lou Who, and a backstory for the Grinch. The movie goes all-in on Jim Carrey’s cartoonish performance and a lavish, Seuss-inspired world.
Jim Carrey’s performance is the lynchpin of the movie. His rendition of the Grinch is a surly spin on his usual comedy persona. Exaggerated slapstick, rapid-fire quips and insults, and all manner of childish villainy form the Grinch’s repertoire. But the Grinch’s antics can be overpowering, and anyone who dislikes Jim Carrey’s style of humor will have a hard time getting through the film. The jokes are crude and manic, but often entertaining.
The other distinctive feature of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is its world. The movie goes to great lengths to replicate the cartoonish designs of Dr. Seuss in live action. The sheer effort that goes into its sets, props, and makeup is remarkable, but their net effect is dubious. Seuss’ designs lose some of their charm in the transition to live action. For all the care put into crafting the movie’s visuals, they can still come across as unsettling.
How much you enjoy How the Grinch Stole Christmas will depend on whether you enjoy its quirky style. Fans of Jim Carrey in the mood for something madcap and occasionally heartwarming will find it to be a fine pick, a creative adaptation that makes good use of its star’s unique talents. But the movie may be too much of a stretch for some viewers. Those who dislike Carrey or would prefer a more subdued family comedy should look elsewhere.
For a similar live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss, try The Cat in the Hat. For another family comedy about a misunderstood loner, try Megamind or Up. For another outrageous comedy from Jim Carrey, try The Mask.
6.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for an elaborate production with polarizing results.