Movie in review: A new take on the Grinch

By Chris Jones/Column

Another version of the Grinch came out recently, further fulfilling our quota for remakes of beloved childhood classics.

It’s inevitable that when a remake comes out, it will be compared to the original, or in this case, every other version of the story.

Whether that be the Jim Carrey version, or the one from the 1960’s, 2018’s the Grinch was destined to fall short of the previous films in the eyes of its adult viewers.

So, ignoring comparisons, the film itself was actually a very good children’s movie, as its target audience was never meant to be the adults who enjoyed the previous Grinch films.

It had heart, laughs, and Christmas joy, and it gave its heartfelt message in a way that didn’t overstay its welcome. I was even feeling the Christmas spirit a little more at the end of the film.

Benedict Cumberbatch, who voiced the Grinch, put on a layered performance, as he was often both childish and heartbreaking at the same time.

The film stuck to its message, and didn’t waver despite introducing new characters and bringing in a much more assertive version of Cindy-Lou Who, as voiced by Cameron Seely. It also provided better characterization to Cindy-Lou’s single mother Donna Who, voiced by Rashida Jones.

Cindy-Lou’s side story, which saw her hoping to catch Santa in order to ask him to help make life easier for her overworked mother, which was all she wanted for Christmas, was entertaining, endearing, and overall fun to watch.

However, an issue with the film lays at the feet of the Grinch himself. While it was clear that he did not like Christmas or the Who’s, he more or less just came off as petty and rude instead of outright mean like he does in the source material.

Sure, he said and did mean things, but he was not without his good qualities. He had a very obvious soft spot for his dog, Max, and for the reindeer, Fred. Also, during his first encounter with Cindy-Lou, he was understandably upset as she almost killed him.

The only moment he felt like a truly sadistic version of the Grinch was in the grocery store when he didn’t help a short person retrieve their jam.

Also, the song says his eyes and teeth are yellow, not white. He’s supposed to come across as gross and unkempt, but instead he often came across as charming and slightly grouchy.

However, the animation of his hair was fantastic, so it can all be forgiven.

While the film may not have had the edge of its source material, it still lived up to its promise to make our hearts grow three sizes by the end, and the kids who are introduced to the Grinch through this version will remember it fondly, just as we remember our own versions fondly too.