Movie Review: “The Grinch” is fittingly mean and grumpy but also sweet and colorful

Movie Review: “The Grinch” (PG)

From Universal Pictures and Illumination, the animation studio behind “Despicable Me,” comes a new adaptation of a Dr. Seuss holiday classic that’s actually considerably more enjoyable than that 58 percent Rotten Tomatoes score would have you believe. There’s something to be said for an animated feature that goes out of its way to suggest that kindness in this world still greatly outweighs meanness, and while the idea that love can transform even the coldest of hearts might seem a tad idealistic and sappy, particularly in today’s climate, it’s still a lovely concept.

“The Grinch” weaves it’s tale around the title character, a curmudgeon who lives a life of virtual solitude on the outskirts of cheery Whoville. The Grinch (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) only has his sweet-natured dog to keep him company, but that suits him just fine. Unfortunately for him, though, the arrival of that annual annoyance that is Christmas pushes the Grinch over the edge. The mere thought of seeing the citizens of Whoville come even closer together during the yule tide season is almost too much for him to bear, so he decides to do something about it! He decides he’ll steal Christmas from his unsuspecting neighbors.

Meanwhile, down in Whoville, a young girl called Cindy Lou-Who (Cameron Seely) is on a mission of her own: to deliver the most special of gifts to her loving mother. In order to pull it off, though, it’ll require the assistance of the one and only Santa Claus. Ultimately, her plan will find her crossing paths with the Grinch, making for one heck of a strange Christmas Eve encounter.

“The Grinch” has been adapted into both a wonderful ’60s television special featuring the voice of Boris Karloff and a very successful 2000 Jim Carrey-headlined blockbuster film directed by Ron Howard. While the expanding of the original source material keeps this version from outranking the ’60s television take, I do prefer this to Ron Howard’s live-action version, primarily because this story simply works to stronger effect in animated form.

There’s wonderful vocal work, too, most notably Cumberbatch who surprisingly refrains from resorting to the deep and brooding menace of Smaug and Khan and opts for a more lighthearted approach. He’s a lot of fun here, evoking that playful grumpiness we all come to expect from this character, but he also brings a much welcome sense of vulnerability and, dare I say, sweetness to the proceedings. While this is essentially Cumberbatch’s show, he’s backed up by a wonderful roster of supporting vocal talent, including a precious and playful Seely, a goofy Kenan Thompson (Mr. Bricklebaum), a sweet and loving Rashida Jones (Donna Who), and an cheerful and inviting Pharrell Williams (the Narrator).

While “The Grinch” uses Dr. Seuss’ sacred text as its primary inspiration, the storytellers behind this likable adaptation also find time to wink at other iconic holiday fare including “A Christmas Story,” “Christmas Vacation,” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Subsequently, the great Danny Elfman is responsible for this film’s appropriately festive score.

Yes, “The Grinch” feels like Christmas through and through. It’s colorful and vibrant, particularly the nighttime scenes in which a lit up Whoville sparkles like the brightest of the stars in the sky. But it’s also sweet and warm in terms of the messages it sets out convey. Look no further than the very idea that little Cindy Lou-Who simply wants to bring joy to her mother for the holidays.

Beyond that, if adorable animals are your thing, than “The Grinch” has got you covered.  From the Grinch’s cute (and fiercely loyal) dog Max to an endearing reindeer to a hilarious screaming goat, these animals will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone.

In the end, though, “The Grinch” is really about the title character’s transformation, and while his turn might feel a bit slight, there’s plenty of insight into what makes this iconic character tick throughout this charming movie. In the end, the little layers that are eventually peeled away go a long way to earn “The Grinch” its sweet and undeniably affectionate ending.

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