How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Director- Ron Howard

Cast- Jim Carrey, Anthony Hopkins, Jeffery Tambor, Taylor Momsen

PG- For some crude humor

In light of the holiday season I found myself in the same place I do every year. Sitting in my living room with my wife and kids watching 2000’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It always starts the same way every time, my wife or one of my oldest will suggest it, everyone else gets excited and starts chanting as we sit down for another holiday viewing (semi begrudgingly on my part if I’m being honest.) But something happens during the opening credits with Anthony Hopkins giving that signature rhyming narration. I get excited! One might say even a bit jolly and increasingly in the Christmas spirit. While watching it I look around the room and see everyone laughing and having a good time. Reminding me that it truly is a film for all ages.

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This movie follows the Grinch played by Jim Carrey in the prime of his comedic timing. He lives in the small town of Whoville. Where the towns people, the who’s, live for Christmas. If it isn’t actually Christmas day, they are spending their time preparing for it. The Grinch’s entire existence revolves around his desire to be left alone with his dog max as well as being pushed over the edge of sanity and ruining Christmas for all the who’s in Whoville, whom he is the polar opposite of. While the moral of the movie is about learning that there are more important things at Christmas than just the holiday itself, we need to focus on the things that truly matter and that is the people around us, our family and friends. Even more simply doing all these festivities together.

Its a good movie for its time in terms of style and design, and really a live action movie before that was a thing. But honestly doesn’t really have the feel of a Ron Howard movie. In retrospect you could say that it was because of this movie that we got films such as Cat in the Hat with Mike Meyers, which didn’t quite live up.

Is it the best Christmas movie out there? No it isn’t. If I had to suggest other family friendly movies that have a stronger message of family and Christmas I would have to talk about movies like Its a Wonderful Life or Home Alone. But if you’re looking to experience what the story’s message is promoting throughout this movie. Then sit down with those you love and get prepared to laugh at yourselves and Jim Carreys joy, happiness, and borderline one flew over the cookoo’s nest performance that’s an adventure for the whole family.