(spoiler free)
November, still too early for Christmas movies? Maybe so, but as one of the posters for ‘The Grinch’ states “It’s never too early to be annoyed by Christmas” so with that in mind it seems the perfect time for this new adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ festive favourite. Trading live-action for animation and with Benedict Cumberbatch stepping into the grumpy green shoes that Jim Carrey once filled would this retelling of such a much loved classic become the Grinch that stole the Christmas box office?
Almost two decades on from Jim Carrey’s performance as the Grinch it’s debatable whether or not there’s any need for this new version of the classic story. However, there’s no denying that the film looks great. The attention to detail in the animation is brilliant, being one of the only times the actual animation work from Illumination Entertainment has really stood out and impressed. It does make sense for this story to be told like this too as it makes ‘The Grinch’ accessible to even younger audiences than before, as excellent as Carrey’s turn is there’s no doubt that it could be a little scary for younger ones. This new version is even more family friendly than before but never losses that slightly sinister edge that character brings to the narrative. The animation format also allows for some added creativity that a live action version wouldn’t be able to achieve as well, so whilst many will wonder what the point of this updated version is it does have some merits beyond making money for the studio!
Despite this, the story is largely what we’ve seen before and it never strays too far from previous incarnations of the character’s normal narrative. It stays faithful to its roots with Pharrell Williams offering the iconic Dr. Suess rhyming narration accompanying the unfolding story. Benedict Cumberbatch is the man tasked with taking on the titular role and he does a great job of it, nailing the Grinch’s disdain for the season and the humourous outpourings as a result of this. It’s a shame that he’ll be unable to escape comparisons to Carrey’s Grinch but whose portrayal is superior really doesn’t matter as both work perfectly in their respective films and result in successful reenactments of Dr. Suess’ original story. There’s a wonderful humour present in this animated version as The Grinch’s cynicism for the season is demonstrated early on. However, the main narrative gets underway so quickly that audiences might enjoy some more time simply spent with the Grinch and his hate for all things holiday related as the comedy somewhat lessens as the film progresses.
Those who know the story will be aware of the warm and wholesome festive message it carries in its closing moments and this element is done well here too. All in all it is a successful re-imagining of the well known Christmas tale but one that, for many, won’t compare to Carrey’s take on the character. However even at that, there’s no chance of audiences hating, double hating or loathing it entirely as this animation will certainly serve its purpose for a new, younger generation offering them a fun and festive film which will be easily revisited year after year.
Written by Hamish Calvert
Rating – 7/10
Question: What is your favourite animated Christmas movie?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)
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