HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

2000, Universal Pictures

Live action

Rating: PG

Approx. 104 mins.

THE STORY:

The Whos of Whoville are obsessed with Christmas. They lose themselves in a whir of shopping and decorating, devoting all of their attention to the material aspects of the holiday. Confused by this is Cindy Lou (Taylor Momsen), a young Who in search of the true meaning of Christmas. She becomes particularly intrigued by the Grinch (Jim Carrey), a mysterious hermit-like creature who has isolated himself from the Whos and despises Christmas. While the other Whos fear and dislike the Grinch, Cindy Lou tries to win him over and let him share in the happiness the holiday can bring.

While her attempts at first seem successful, the Grinch is soon confronted with memories of the cruel taunting he received from the Whos as a child. He storms off, determined to ruin Christmas for Whoville by stealing all of their presents and decorations. Much to his surprise, however, he discovers that he is capable of feelings and sets out to right the wrongs he has committed.

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• stupid
• hate/ despise/ loathe

VIOLENCE:

•  none

TEACHING POINTS:

• Questions the commercialization of Christmas
• The consequences of bullying
• Sometimes we have to have the courage to go against the prevailing wisdom

THE UPSHOT:

I love the way this film confronts the crass commercialism that has been appended to Christmas and questions the true meaning of the holiday in a completely secular way. It raises a lot of good questions for discussion without being preachy.

I also like the fact that there is no absolute good-guy/ bad-guy dynamic. The Grinch is a Grinch, but he has a back-story, reasons, a soft spot in his two-sizes too small heart. In a vicious circle, his meanness encourages others to reject him, which in turn makes him meaner. But, even given his past suffering, he is not presented as a completely sympathetic character with no responsibility for his actions and choices. 

The film stays faithful to the book in story and in spirit, adding contemporary references to engage viewers. Jim Carrey is hilarious, though much of his banter is likely to fly over the heads of the non-adults in the room. The kids will laugh at the over-the-topness of it all and the travails of Max, the dog.

A great holiday tradition that everyone in the room can enjoy.

  

4/5