very Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot. But the Grinch, who
lived just north of Who-ville, did not. These famous lines begin the story
of one of the most lovably vile characters in children's literature: the Grinch
(Carrey). In this film adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic Christmas tale, Sir
Anthony Hopkins narrates as we are reintroduced to Who-ville, a colorful, bustling
metropolis full of holiday cheer. While the busy Whos scurry about readying
for the big day, the Grinch watches from his lair high atop Mount Crumpet hating
Christmas and all that comes with it.
In this version, the character of little Cindy Lou Who (Momsen), the girl
who spies the Grinch in the midst of his crime spree, has been having some "Yuletide
doubts." She wonders about the true meaning of Christmas, something none of
the other Whos can explain to her. After a brief encounter with the Grinch,
she hopes that he might be the one to understand.
Cindy takes it upon herself to do some research on the Grinch's past. She
talks to everyone who knew him before he disappeared to Mount Crumpet so many
years before. Through a series of flashbacks we learn the history of the Grinch
and why he hates Christmas so much. Cindy becomes convinced that he can help
her find the holiday spirit she is missing. She climbs up to his home on Mount
Crumpet and invites him to join in their Whobilation. But the Whobilation goes
awry, leaving the Grinch even more miserable than before.
The rest of the story follows the familiar tale faithfully, from the moment
the Grinch gets the "wonderful, awful idea" to dress up as Santa and steal the
Whos' Christmas to his final epiphany that maybe Christmas "doesn't come from
a store."
Mr. Grinch is not such a mean one
Transforming a beloved children's book into a live-action film can be a double-edged
sword. On the one hand, there is something inherently appealing about
seeing the story come to life on the big screen. On the other, it's practically a
sacrilegious idea. The trick is to provide a new perspective while staying
true to the spirit of the original. The Grinch comes close to accomplishing
this, but strays a little too far from its roots to be a truly successful adaptation.
Jim Carrey embodies the Grinch with playful malice, but he's not the deliciously
evil curmudgeon of Seuss' story. This is a more sensitive, watered-down Grinch--more
of a misunderstood outcast than a true villain. The real blackguard of the
film is the Mayor of Who-ville (Tambor), an overgrown bully whose malicious
grade-school teasing caused the Grinch to go into exile in the first place.
Their rivalry is rooted in a quest for the affection of the lovely Martha May
Who-vier (Baranski), because in Hollywood even the Grinch gets a love interest.
While purists may balk at the alterations, there is no denying that the film
is filled with spirit and Seussian imagination. There are plenty of genuine
laughs (not surprisingly, provided by Carrey) as well as some sweet, tender moments.
The film is most enjoyable when it recreates specific scenes from the animated feature
and the book. There's something about seeing the Whos gathered around the tree
singing "Da Who Lore" that recalls fond memories of Christmases past.
Whatever the film loses in translation, it more than makes up for in
visual design. It's a feast for the eyes, from the exquisitely detailed
town of Who-ville to the wizardry of the Grinch's flying sleigh. Especially
noteworthy is the amazing makeup by industry veteran Rick Baker, which transforms
Carrey completely into the Grinch in all his green glory.
