When it comes to franchise films, there are about as many animated ones as there are of their live counterparts. Those of the "Ice Age", "Toy Story", or even "Snow White" fame have had quite the successful run. Ever since "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" came along in 1966 to TV, this Dr. Seuss gem has had audiences beaming. Then in 2000, it was a live version of it entertaining audiences galore. Now, it's "The Grinch" back in its glorious animated format to enjoy all over again.
This film tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl's generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, it's a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism.
Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. For the Grinch's day-to-day needs, he only sees his neighbors in Whoville when he runs out of food. Each year at Christmas they disrupt his tranquil solitude with their increasingly bigger, brighter and louder celebrations. For the Grinch to gain some peace and quiet, he must steal Christmas. To do so, he decides to pose as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, even going so far as to trap a lackadaisical misfit reindeer to pull his sleigh. Meanwhile, down in Whoville, Cindy-Lou Who (Cameron Seely), a young girl overflowing with holiday cheer, plots with her gang of friends to trap Santa Claus as he makes his Christmas Eve rounds so that she can thank him for the help for her overworked single mother, Donna (Rashida Jones). As Christmas approaches, however, her good-natured scheme threatens to collide with the Grinch's more nefarious one. Will Cindy-Lou achieve her goal of finally meeting Santa Claus? Will the Grinch succeed in silencing the Whos' holiday cheer once and for all?
Others to round out the cast are Pharrell Williams as the Narrator, Tristan O'Hare as Groopert, Kenan Thompson as Mr. Bricklebaum, Sam Lavagnino as Ozzy, Ramone Hamilton as Axl, Angela Lansbury as Mayor McGerkle, Scarlett Estevez as Izzy and Michael Beattie as Store Clerk.
This was effectively directed by Yarrow Cheney ("The Secret Life of Pets" (co-dir.) '16) plus shorts and Scott Mosier (shorts). The style of this was just as fresh as of the Chuck Jones' TV version in 1966 which is basically considered a classic. The Grinch was still as obnoxious and boisterous--a true Grinch by the definition of the name. and even though Cindy-Lou is a bit sassier as her 1966 counterpart, she surely fits today's standards. Max, my favorite character looked and acted like he's never aged a year. He is the same 'ol Max as in the 1966 version. These filmmakers we'll continue getting more work. It was written with freshness and deftness by Michael LeSieur ("You, Me and Dupree" '06, "The Maiden Heist" '09, :Keeping Up with the Jones" '16) and Tommy Swerdlow ("Cool Runnings" '93,"Little Giants" '94, "Bushwhacked" '95, "Snow Dogs" '02, "A Thousand Junkies" '17) plus TV and a short, which is based on the book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss. Even though both writers here didn't have a plethora of work to their credit, this storyline basically played a homage to the 1966 version. It wasn't a word-for-word version--there was some parts that were original and worked with the section that we know so well, but it was just as heartwarming and funny as its animated predecessor. Obviously Boris Karloff was brilliant casting for the 1966 version--that version being the last project before Karloff's death, however Cumberbatch was every bit as effective as that of Karloff. Cumberbatch gave the Grinch that despicable appeal that shined in this version
Certainly, if you liked the 1966 version or even the 2000 version, you will be in Grinch heaven in watching this. It was funny, heartwarming and slickly written and it was 90 minutes of pure joy. This is one for the whole family, so grab the popcorn and enjoy this gem! I know I did!
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG 88mins.
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