Chuck Jones got Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! right in 1966, proving the book can be adapted to film. As for 2018's The Grinch, it makes the same mistakes as the 2000 Jim Carrey version, a film that also isn’t good… leaving you wondering why this film exists, except as a way to exploit audience’s nostalgia.
“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot... but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-Ville, did NOT!” When the people of Who-ville announce this year’s celebration will be three times as big, it’s the final straw for the Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch), who, along with his dog Max decides to ruin the holiday for everyone.
The picture's visuals are top notch. It looks even better in 3D where a number of objects fly towards the screen unexpectedly, making you dodge… only to realize nothing was ACTUALLY headed in your direction. If you go to the cinema looking for an experience you can’t get at home, that’s how you’ll get it.
The problem is in the source material. At 69 pages - many with only a sentence or two - How the Grinch Stole Christmas! isn't long enough for a movie, leaving writers Michae LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow scrambling to fill time. Predictably, Cindy-Lou Who (voiced by Cameron Seely) is given a story arc which adds little to the plot. A bigger pitfall is the Grinch himself, who's given a backstory and character development. Let’s get this straight. The Grinch is not really a character. He changes as the story progresses, but he’s one-dimensional. He’s green, ugly, foul, and hates Christmas. By showing him grumble at the Who's Christmas' rampant commercialism, flashy lights, extravagance, you begin siding with him. There’s talk about how ultimately, it’s family that matters but you never really believe it. The real spirit of Christmas isn't there in Whoville, as no one is seen volunteering at soup kitchens, given to the poor, reconciliation with the family, etc. No wonder he’s bitter.
If you were hoping for more immortal tunes to associate with the story, don’t. There’s barely an effort to make the story rhyme and of the two songs, one is a lame remix of You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch that’s over and dealt with early on, and the second is simply a repeat of The Who Song.
The problems with Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch are what you’d expect. By expanding on the material, it dilutes the message. Even when it tries something "new", it's nothing we haven't already seen when Jim Carrey donned green makeup in 2000. The soundtrack is weak and the jokes generally ineffective. It’s never painful or embarrassing like The Lorax was. Instead, it'll leave you indifferent, which in many ways is worse than being truly bad. (3D Theatrical version on the big screen, November 10, 2018)
