Matt O’Connor
It’s Day 20 of the Beacon’s Christmas Movie Countdown! Today, we’re tackling a legendary Christmas story that’s a household name of the holiday season. The Grinch is up there with Rudolph and Frosty as one of the most iconic Christmas characters. The original story by Dr. Seuss has three major adaptations. But in my opinion, the best of the bunch is the live action version released in 2000 with Jim Carrey stepping into the titular role.
While the citizens of Whoville are enjoying the Christmas season, the Grinch stays grumpy in his cave upon the top of mount Crumpit. But secretly, he’s planning on ruining the holiday plans of the Whos. In this film specifically, the Grinch’s backstory gets an extensive focus and we learn how he was bullied and mocked for his green and hairy appearance. There’s also a greater focus on the citizens of Whoville and multiple side characters are given larger roles.
Jim Carrey as the Grinch is nothing short of a perfect casting choice, and the makeup done for the character really makes him look both creepy and comedic. Director Ron Howard and the production team were really able to expand the original story and tell a story that’s faithful while introducing some fun new twists.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas is and will always remain an iconic staple of Christmas and its culture, and the Jim Carrey film is a simultaneously faithful and creative interpretation of the original work by Dr. Seuss. We’ve only got a few more days to go before Christmas finally arrives!
