The classic Christmas movie, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” was given a makeover for this 2018 holiday season. The iconic Mr. Grinch, played by Jim Carrey, was replaced by Benedict Cumberbatch in an animated picture film. This remake, titled just “The Grinch,” puts a modern spin on the time-honored tale.
“How The Grinch Stole Christmas” is a tale of a lonely, scary and disgusting creature, Mr. Grinch, who lives alone in the mountain outside of Whoville. The Grinch hates Christmas because of his two-sizes-too-small heart and, in the end, he tries to “steal” the holiday from the Whos; however, his plan is besmirched by a little Who girl, Cindy-Lou Who, who makes his heart grow.
Jim Carrey is well-known for his creation of such an iconic, gross character. In the live-action version of this story, the artfully crafted image of Mr. Grinch that is horrifically unappealing is what defines the plot of the story. However, in “The Grinch,” the animated production style of Illumination Entertainment makes the Grinch much more adorable, making it more comfortable for the younger audiences.
That’s the best way to describe the difference in these versions: the cute factor. With the animated, bright colors, the film is softer and more appealing to the target audience, captivating them, rather than the previously dark and muted colors of the original that may have turned them away from the film.
The new version also changes the plot to simplify the complex issues that may have been in the original (trauma from bullying, growing up an orphan), so that the younger audiences can understand it better. It’s inferred that the mother is a single mom, raising the kids on her own, and Cindy-Lou’s Christmas wish is to make her happy. Originally, Dr. Seuss had intended this story to call out the materialistic turn of the Christmas season, and the new version still carries that message through Cindy-Lou’s wish, but in a less obvious way.
The most noticeable, and the most talked-about difference in the new film, however, is the updated soundtrack. The playlist includes songs from popular artists such as Tyler, the Creator and BROCKHAMPTON. These tracks have bold and contemporary beats that give an entirely different feel to the movie while still holding on to the Christmas mood. Older audiences were drawn to the movie to see how these songs by their beloved artists were incorporated into their childhood classic.
Overall, “The Grinch” is a hit with all audiences. The remake stayed true to the idea of Dr. Seuss’s classic, creating a family-oriented, child-friendly, adorable movie that gets the message of selflessness across. Jim Carrey’s legendary character of Mr. Grinch in “How the Grinch Stole
Christmas” has stuck around for years, but Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice is a new addition to the holiday season, keeping kids watching this classic tale for years to come.
By: Kate Cyr
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