How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
"On the outskirts of Whoville lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans to ruin Christmas for all of the citizens of the town."
- IMDB
This is a book adaption done right. The set design, costume design, make up, prosthetics, every teensy detail did not go amiss to ensure that this film looked like a Dr. Seuss story come to life. As I've gotten older, I've learned to appreciate how well done this movie is. Every intricate detail helped create this immersive lived in world that somehow exists in a snowflake. All the cast, including extras, also do a good job representing this weird species of people. The film also told the original Grinch story while also expanding lore, which we didn't need but got anyway, and it was great.
Of course this is a whole Christmas tale. The main theme of this story is that "Christmas doesn't come form the store." The holidays are more about spending time with people you care about rather than any material items. A great lesson for kids and even for adults. While this is a kids/family film, an argument can be made that a theme about racism & discrimination being directed toward the Grinch. Sindy Lu Who is here to teach us that those who are different should be included too.
Now several other cast members had the pleasure of delivering funny one liners that made me chuckle. But at the end of the day, this is Jim Carrey's movie. He owns every scene he's in. A genius with improvisational and comedic skills, I can't imagine anyone else playing the role the way he did. This was a one of a kind performance Carrey blessed us with, and he's the reason I come back to this film every year.
My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★
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