The Grinch, again. Simply The Grinch, no stealing, no Christmas in the title. The Grinch has arrived. It has been interesting to watch the unfolding of the Dr. Seuss created character. I had thought that no one could play a better Grinch than Jim Carrey in How the Grinch Stole Christmas released in 2000. I know I have watched that movie at least 18 times! Before that Dr. Seuss’ gave us How the Grinch Stole Christmas! filmed in full animation in 1966. Yes, the original version had its 50th anniversary two years ago.
Jim Carrey played a mean Grinch, truly I think he was meaner (and bigger) than Benedict Cumberbatch. Cumberbatch, the new version of Mr.Grinch, is British, born and raised by actor parents. He studied acting at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art earning an MA in Classical Acting. He brilliantly portrayed Stephen Hawking in several TV documentaries. Benedict has also played in several Oscar nominated films. Such talent. His Bio states: “Often portrays posh upper-class figures,” and “Usually plays highly-intelligent and gifted characters.” Now, that just about sums up The Grinch!
Does he top Jim Carrey? I would say yes, but also, he’s a very different Grinch. His portrayal, while still true to the Seuss storyline, is very much his own—just like Carrey. The biggest difference is the technology that has developed over the past fifty two years. I watched all three Grinch movies in a short time frame in preparation for this review and the mind blowing aspect is not the amazing characters but the technology. The Grinch has taken us from grainy cartoon to simply amazing Grinch.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a few of my very favorite Holiday movies, like White Christmas, Miracle on 34thStreet, It’s a Wonderful Life, and anything Irving Berlin, if for no other reason, than the music. There are so many joyful comedies like Elf, The Santa Claus movies and A Christmas Story. And don’t forget The Holiday, Scrooged and one of my all-time favorites, The Polar Express. You can even fill in the rest of the nights with one of the hundreds of made-for-tv Christmas movies, especially my personal favorite, Hallmark.
While not necessarily embracing the religious side of Christmas, The Grinch certainly portrays the redemptive aspects of theholiday. The one thing we all share at Christmas is how it makes us feel—that there is good in everyone, even the Grinch. So, whether the voice we hear in our heads is Boris Karloff, the original Grinch, Jim Carrey, or the voice our children and grandchildren will hear, Benedict Cumberbatch, it speaks the same message. Christmas is about love, love from above,brought to earth by a baby boy.
Thank you for reading my column month after month, year upon year. I want to bring you Holiday Cheer all year long. It gives me joy to offer to you movies that not only entertain but educate and hopefully make us all want to be like the Grinch—a little better person. Once again, I welcome your comments at Carolyn@carolynhastings.com
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