How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) is an example of a rotten rated film that we enjoy. It received 50% from critics and only 56% from audiences which baffles me. I won't tell you it's the best Christmas comedy out there, but it shouldn't have a failing grade. I don't know someone who despises this movie, so maybe those critics were being a grinch themselves. Read here now!
Jim Carrey is a madman who plays the weirdest characters in cinema history. The Grinch is no exception. It's a surprisingly diverse take on the character who normally has a quick turnaround instead of gradual. This time, he has development throughout the feature-length film. These changes lead to new stories about Grinch's past and more about the people of Whoville. Carrey received a Golden Globe nomination for this depiction. The film itself won the Oscar for makeup (well deserved), it was nominated for set direction and costume design.
The Grinch's cave is wicked cool if you don't mind me saying so. He has a zipline that goes to his bed. How epic is that? I wanted a basement equivalent to it as a kid... and still now.
This movie has some adult-themed plot points. The Grinch suffers from severe depression and masks it in-jokes and binge eating. Heavy stuff, right? It earns the PG rating, unlike many movies. This does take some points away too though. This is supposed to be a family film, but some of the jokes are over the top. An example would be "Pucker up and kiss it." This is a bit crude for children among a couple of others. That was the downfall of the notoriously horrible live-action The Cat in the Hat. Remember that movie? It's better if you don't.
Anyways, there are too many other good jokes to list so here are just a few. The Grinch yelling in the cave is one, and it yells back at him like an insult. Is he going crazy? I don't know, but it's hilarious. More moments include him trying on lederhosen, "Play monkey play!", "Might want to scootch over a little bit.", and of course the cat. The Grinch continuously is attacked by cats while stealing the presents Christmas Eve night.
As mentioned earlier, the production design is award-worthy. I'd love to walk through a recreation of Whoville. Also, the other actors and actresses are cast exceptionally well. Cindy Lou Who is played by Taylor Momsen (who is now a rocker chic for The Pretty Reckless), so at least she continued her singing. The director is Ron Howard. He has become quite a notable storyteller, so it's no surprise I like this movie.
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