Since 2000, Dr. Seuss has seen his work adapted into several big-budget Hollywood films. This year sees The Grinch from Illumination, the animation studio best known for the Despicable Me franchise. The Grinch is a unique case. Not only is this the second animated version of the story, following up the classic 1964 television special, it’s also the second film version, following up the 2000 live-action Grinch from Ron Howard and Jim Carrey. It’s certainly better than the obnoxious trite that was the 2000 film, and it’s clear directors Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney have a respect for the source material. In turn it’s the only Seuss film adaptation I can confidently say is any good.
An important aspect of what makes The Grinch so fun is the titular character himself. Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice performance is bouncy and lively, while also garnering some good laughs. A good chunk of the runtime depicts Grinch planning his heist, and it’s really enjoyable. There are some really good set pieces with his story that offer decent slapstick and visual comedy. His interactions with a new to this story character, the eternally jolly Bricklebaum, is also quite nice. This is largely due to Kenan Thompson’s voiceover performance. The film also expands on Grinch’s backstory like the Ron Howard film. But this time, it feels far more natural and the film doesn’t dwell on it too much. It also manages to tackle childhood trauma and how it impacts an adult in a rather thoughtful way.
Less engaging is a subplot involving Cindy Lou Who and her attempts to capture Santa Claus. It’s understandable the filmmakers needed to expand the story to reach an 80-minute runtime. However, Cindy Lou Who isn’t all that compelling of a character to follow, although Cameron Seely’s voice performance is solid. They try to make a parallel between her story and the Grinch’s, but it feels like the movie just stops when it cuts to her. The Grinch is a much more entertaining character to follow, and I’d rather the film just focus on him instead.
What really helps make this movie enjoyable are two very key factors. One is the animation. The Grinch’s more softer features do take some getting used to, but his character animation is great. He zooms throughout each frame with so much life and energy, and some solid facial expressions to boot. The rest of the Whos have cute designs, while the actual backgrounds have a nice wintry vibe. It’s definitely the best the Illumination animation team has created design-wise.
The second factor is the film’s heart. Helped by the animation, the characterization of the Whos and the charming narration of Pharrell Williams, the message of the original story is in tact and is as strong as ever. There’s a real cozy feeling to the film, especially the ending, that makes it pleasant.
It doesn’t hold a candle to the Chuck Jones special, but The Grinch works as a cute family Christmas flick. With nice animation, a good deal of heart, and a fun Cumberbatch performance, it’s a nice holiday picture, even if kids might get more out of it than adults.