The Grinch (2018)
The inhabitants of the fantasy town of Whoville are gearing up for their favorite time of year, Christmas, and this year has them trying to be three times more into it than in the past, which says quite a bit. Not everyone is down for the party, however, as the hermit-like mountain-dwelling Grinch nearby detests the holiday celebration in every way, and won’t stand for Christmas to be even more obnoxious than before, which he comes into contact with directly as he runs out of food and must procure more. He concocts a plan to steal Christmas away from the Whos in Whoville by donning the persona of Santa Claus himself, except he will steal their presents rather than deliver them, souring them on the holiday henceforth. One of those Whos is Cindy Lou, who has a special wish to deliver for Santa that requires telling him in person and she aims to find him, even if Santa may be the Grinch in disguise.
The Grinch is an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ 1957 children’s book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, which had a short animated TV special released in 1966. Returning to the big screen after Ron Howard’s mediocre, albeit lucrative, effort in 2000 to try a live-action release, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch brings the story back to the realm of animation, this time with 3D computer modeling and a more modern take in snark to spin the tale to a new generation. Universal, along with Illumination Entertainment, who adapted a Seuss book before in The Lorax.
Directed by Yarrow Cheney and first-time feature helmer Scott Mosier, a longtime producer of many of Kevin Smith’s films. The script from Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow stay relatively close to the narrative structure found within Dr. Seuss’ children’s book, though, obviously, they have to beef up the story and characterizations to fill up a feature-length run time.
Voice work is fine, with Benedict Cumberbatch ditching his British accent for an American one, and his deeper pitch for one a little more nasal, in a soft yet spirited rendition of the Grinch’s surly personality, though this version of the character shows him not quite as evil so much as resentful due to a tragic childhood that caused him to lash out at any and all who partake in the festivities each year. In other words, he’s not quite as mean a one as we’ve seen him before, despite the inclusion of the song, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”. Pharrell Williams provides the narration, reportedly a late choice when the studio’s originally intended candidates didn’t work out. Pharrell was chosen because he makes for the best and most commanding voice, but because of his past association with Illumination’s Despicable Me films, his contemporary hipness factor, as well as his contributions to the soundtrack of The Grinch. Additional music is provided by Danny Elfman and his confident original score.
Recurring jokes involve a portly reindeer, a banshee-like bleating goat, lots of jokes with the Grinch’s cute dog named Max, and an elaborate booby-trap set by the kids in order to capture Santa for a heart-to-heart discussion.
The special effects are rendered extremely well, in keeping with the norm when it comes to major studio releases with 3D animation. The transitions are smooth and the pacing is always energetic and moving the action forward at an efficient clip, even when the story goes into side adventures involving the procuring of reindeer for Santa’s sleigh and a sequence where the Grinch and all of the toys in the sleigh are in jeopardy as they cling by a thread from falling off the mountain. The use of soundtrack is an asset.
While not as memorable or as essential as reading the Dr. Seuss book, or in watching the original animated short film, The Grinch is vibrant and catchy enough to sate the entertainment interests of those looking for a holiday film for the younger set in the family. At times it is more Illumination than Seuss, but for those who enjoy both, it’s not a bad one to keep stuffed in your stocking around the holidays.
Qwipster’s rating: B-
MPAA Rated: PG for brief rude humor
Running Time: 86 min.
Cast (voice): Benedict Cumberbatch, Cameron Seely, Rashida Jones, Pharrell Williams, Tristan O’Hare, Kenan Thompson
Director: Yarrow Cheney, Scott Mosier
Screenplay: Michael LeSieur, Tommy Swerdlow