Monday Movie Review: The Grinch

Hooray, Its Monday. The Monday after the long holiday weekend. That means like most of you, and the rest of the free world, I got to hit the theaters over the weekend. I like to do this every weekend. I wanted to take a little bit of time to tell you of my experience at the movie,.  Just a minute to shed a little insight and perspective on Hollywood’s latest hit. Seeing a great movie in the theater can be a life altering experience. It can also be an easy way to waste a couple of hours and 30 bucks. My hopes is that with a quick review from this self-proclaim movie connoisseur I can save readers a few hours. Or better yet, possibly change a few more lives. A holiday classic for the holiday weekend. The Grinch

The Grinch

Universal has tapped long time Kevin Smith movie producer Scott Mosier to adapt a 3D CGI version of the Dr Seuss’s Christmas classic.  The story is about the same. In the outskirts of Whoville, there’s a miserly loner known only as The Grinch (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). He lives in a cave high up on Mount Crumpit with his inventions and his dog, Max. He only ever sees his Who neighbors when he has to go into town to get himself food. One holiday season, the Grinch catches wind that the Whos plan to make their routine Christmas celebrations three times bigger this year. This is something he can’t tolerate in the slightest. Eventually, he has the ultimate epiphany: to keep the peace and quiet he loves so much, he must become Santa Claus and steal Christmas.

Meanwhile, in the town of Whoville, one particular holiday loving Who, Cindy-Lou Who (voiced by Cameron Seely), just wants to ask Santa Claus for help for her overworked single mom.

Life Changing 73%

The Grinch” is a very pleasant new reiteration.While it is a safe rendition, it is just retelling of Dr. Seuss’ holiday classic. I do like the additions to the story and little Cindy was even more adorable then she always has been in the past. In this telling, Cindy attempts to “catch” Santa Claus. This adds to the story flowing into the one old tale.

The Grinch is less grumpy and miserable and more of just a hurt soul. He isn’t as mean and actually is very compassionate to the animals, Max the dog and a new friend Fred the reindeer. While still keeping his grinchly attitude towards Christmas and relegated to isolation, he manages to get a few laughs from his inconsiderate behavior towards the Whos.

Batman?

Where does he get those wonderful toys? I want to believe this is the Mosier touch. The Grinch has a slight air of Batman in this retelling. He is a bit of a  scientist and designs his own gadgets and coffee makers. He throws bat-like Christmas stars to wrap up the trees. Scaling the chimneys with a candy cane grappling hooks, all while a suspiciously familiar Danny Elfman score is  in the background. You can see what Mos did here and I like it.

The Final Thought

There was a lot to like in this movie. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised to hear the Whos sing my all time favorite Christmas song, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Yes, I like the movie quite a bit, and I didn’t  mind the Grinch being retold. Its a wonderful story with a much needed message…..The true meaning of Christmas.  I gave it a 73%, but to all of us that grew up with the Grinch, “perhaps it means a little bit more”.  In the end, The Grinch is merely a safe, easy way to keep the IP active and a guaranteed million dollar blockbuster cash grab.