Review of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) by Matthew D — 19 Dec 2017

A middling movie from Ron Howard, but enjoyable regardless.

Ron Howard brought Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas to life in vivid detail and affection with his 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Unfortunately, it is too long and oddly too mature in its jokes for a family film. The topics are all over the place, mostly thanks to Jim Carrey's comedy. Carrey is hilarious through most of his performance, but as the film keeps going, his routine feels overacted and wears you down after awhile.

I do love the intricate makeup, beautiful sets, James Horner's lovely score, and the funny writing. But I also would say Ron Howard could have called this movie Why the Grinch Stole Christmas as we gets tons of unnecessary backstory to the Grinch's character. I did not need to know where the Grinch came from, who his school crush was, or that he was bullied by a future corrupt politician, but it's all here. At least the main story's narrative is unchanged and anytime Dr. Seuss' rhymes chime in, I still found them charming.

Anthony Hopkins' narration is booming with such a tender warmth, you cannot help but be enchanted by his voice over. I really like Jim Carrey in this role as he often gets very into the character. He is just too much for nearly a 2 hour movie. Carrey breathes such an exuberant life in his Grinch, you believe he is this fuzzy green Scrooge.

The supporting roles are really well cast too. Taylor Momsen is an adorable Cindy Lou Who, while Bill Irwin's tender father figure is absolutely as endearing. Molly Shannon is a ridiculous obsessed housewife craving the envy of her neighbors for her light-bulb collection. Jeffrey Tambor's sleazy, mean mayoral character is really fun, much like Clint Howard's sycophantic accomplice. Rance Howard makes a funny cameo as an old timey drunkard Who, while Bryce Dallas Howard cameos as a cute Who in the crowd if you look hard enough. Lastly, Christine Baranski is quite beautiful and funny, perhaps too much for a kids movie I must say.

Overall, Ron Howard attempted to give more depth to a character that never needed it to be fearsome and lovable. Howard's direction is still thrilling to charming all the time. This is a fun movie to experience, but you may need a break from it now and again.