Review of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) by Sean B — 11 Feb 2014

Not remotely as bad as people make it out to be. It's a very flawed film (mostly because of the script), but this is by FAR the most palatable of all the big-screen Seuss adaptations, coming the closest to capturing the "spirit" of the Seuss work. I first saw this movie when I was 5, so some degree of nostalgia may be coloring my view, but I rewatched The Grinch for the first time in years and I was pleasantly surprised that the film, at the very least, is not a total travesty.

Granted, the pacing is off, since the first 50 minutes are somewhat lethargic and disposable. Jim Carrey alternates between unbearably annoying and brilliant, and supporting cast never really gets the chance to shine. Much (though not all) of the humor is witlessly crude or based on half-baked consumerist satire. The film is largely saved, however, by its gorgeous art direction and visual treatment (the Oscar for make-up was very well deserved). Moreover, unlike most, I actually appreciated the depth given to the Grinch's character. It was somewhat refreshing to see a sympathetic take on a villain from a children's story.

All in all, the film is at least tolerable background noise to be played on your television during the holidays.