Dr. Seuss would be proud.
The Ron Howard live-action remake of his classic tale, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” which stars the all-too-famous comic Jim Carrey as the ‘mean one,’ has lived up to each and every one of the positive expectations which have grown since rumor of its production surfaced.
The mix of childish humor reminiscent of the original, along with some rhyming dialogue, cute sets and even cuter characters, proves that “The Grinch” is suitable for anyone to love; age is not an issue here. And as for the classy, brilliant story - slightly revamped by screenwriters Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman - it is just as delightful as the first version, still full of important, worthy messages.
With Hollywood pressing the Dr. Seuss issue for decades, trying time and time again to purchase rights to at least one of the author’s famed works, it is amazing it finally came through. Audrey Geisel, the widow of Theodor S. Geisel (Dr. Seuss), finally trusted someone in the business to handle such a workload - 19-time Academy Award-nominated producer Brian Grazer (“Apollo 13,” “Liar Liar”).
And from there on the team evolved. Howard was to direct, Carrey to star, five-time Academy Award-winning special makeup effects supervisor Rick Baker (“Men in Black”) was given the task of creating the intolerable Grinch, as well as more than 100 Whoville citizens, and last but not least, Kevin Mack (“What Dreams May Come”) was hired as visual effects supervisor.
Carrey, who is without a doubt the best pick for the role of the Grinch, is truly superb with every menacing smile he decides to make. His recognizable humor, the kind of wild-eyed, crazy antics which have made his other films like “Dumb and Dumber” and “The Mask” so popular, are apparent. However, it doesn’t impair the performance. He just adds a little something new to the character.
These are the people who make this film unforgettable, but they, of course, cannot take all of the credit. A few smaller players in the production deserve more applause than they will probably ever see.
First of all, Taylor Momsen, who plays the cute, little, button-nosed Cindy Lou Who, was absolutely fabulous in her role opposite Carrey. And with “The Grinch” marking her film debut, she is sure to continue startling audiences. Then there is Josh Ryan Evans (“Passions,” “Ally McBeal”), who impressively plays an 8-year-old version of the Grinch, showing just how sadness and isolation made his heart shrink two sizes too small. And, filling one of the most unforgettable roles in the story - the part of Max, the Grinch’s dog - is the smart, hilarious, almost-person-like Kelly, a runaway mutt with a bit of terrier in her who, after some training from veteran Roger Schumacher, fit the bill perfectly for most of the scenes.
The overall aura of the film, which seems a little different from the original but in a good way, is outstanding. The sets are unique, as expected, but amazingly true to the fantasy-filled, cheerful world that Seuss created.
The best part about this film is the diverse audience it can entertain. Adults can fall in love with the story and the Grinch and every Who living in Whoville just as easily as any kid can.
And the inherent message, the one involving Christmas and loving and giving and receiving, is just as apparent as in the original made-for-television cartoon. Possibly, it’s better.
