How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): 25th Anniversary

The re-issuing of films have become quite popular which has been a profitable way for movie companies so they don't have to trudge through the riggers of making a remake or reboot. Usually the choices of films are ones that are popular and this film, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is no exception. 

In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children's tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen).

Others to round out the cast are Jeffrey Tambor as May Who, the mayor of Whoville, Christine Baranski as Martha May Whovier, Bill Irwin as Lou Lou Who, Molly Shannon as Betty Lou Who, Clint Howard as Whobris, Rance Howard as Elderly Timekeeper, Rachel Winfree as Rose and Kelley as Max, the dog..

This was directed with whimsy and heart by Ron Howard ("Grand Theft Auto" '77, "Night Shift" '82, "Splash" '84, "Cocoon" '85, "Gung Ho" '86, "Willow" '88, "Parenthood" '89, "Backdraft" '91, "Far and Away" '92, "The Paper" '94, "Apollo 13" '95, "A Beautiful Mind" '01, "Cinderella Man" '05, "Frost/Nixon" '08, "The Dilemma" '11, "Rush" '13, "In the Heart of the Sea" '15, "Inferno" '16, "Pavarotti" '19, "Hillbilly Elegy" '20, "Eden" '24) plus other films, TV movies, shorts, videos and a music video. Ron Howard has become a staple of fine directing in Hollywood and has the resume to prove it. Each movie he films becomes so effortless to him and every film he does direct simply gets better with time. He was able to get Jim Carrey to bring the Grinch to life where that character seemed so real even though it's obviously a fictional character. It was effectively written by Jeffrey Price ("Trenchcoat" '83, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"'88, "Doc Hollywood" '91, "Wild Wild West"'99, "Last Holiday" '06, "Shrek the Third" '07) plus TV and Peter S. Seaman ("Trenchcoat" '83,"Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' '88, "Doc Hollywood" '91, "Wild Wild West" '99, "Last Holiday"'06, "Shrek the Third" '07) plus TV, based on the book by Dr. Seuss. This film went beyond the typical story of the Grinch stealing Christmas as the beloved story is about. I believe is was necessary to add to the story in order to lengthen the film since it was originally a short story, and going into what drove the Grinch to become bitter and hating Christmas as much as he did was compelling to have some insight into the character. There was a bit of a problem in combining the actual story and connecting that with the the Grinch's past in how he became the way he became, but all in all these writers did the best that any writer could've implemented, and since they are a writing team, they work well together. The visual effects predominantly designed by Digital Domain and Rhythm & Hues were stunning as was the costume design by Rita Ryack. 

Certainly if you're a fan of either director, Ron Howard or actor, Jim Carrey, this is the film for you. This is quintessential Carrey at his best. It was an exemplary attempt to delve into the story and give the audience a backstory to the Grinch. And bringing back this as a 25 anniversary re-release at Christmas time was genius. It is very difficult to believe this film is 25 years old!

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                             Rated: PG                                         103mins.