The Grinch [How the Grinch Stole Christmas] **** (2000, Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski) – Classic Movie Review 496

Jim Carrey is at his hilarious best as Dr Seuss’s famous curmudgeon, The Grinch, who resolves to stop everyone enjoying the festive season in this big budget ($123million) remake of the classic book and cartoon about the nasty creature intent on stealing Christmas.

The magical land of Whoville exists inside a snowflake, where the Munchkin-like, Christmas-loving Whos live. But The Grinch hates Christmas and plots to steal it away from the Whos, until a child, Cindy Lou Who, tries to befriend him.

Directed by Ron Howard in 2000, this magical family fantasy comedy treat is Carrey’s show. But there’s just enough room for outstanding support turns from Taylor Momsen (as Cindy Lou Who), Jeffrey Tambor (Mayor Augustus Maywho), Christine Baranski (Martha May Whovier), Bill Irwin (Lou Lou Who) and Molly Shannon (Betty Lou Who). Plus, keeping it in the family, the Howard acting dynasty is out in force – Clint, Jeremy and Rance all appear.

There’s a polished, amusing screenplay by Jeffrey Price and Peter S Seaman, adapting the book by Dr Seuss. The wonderful special makeup that transformed Carrey into The Grinch won an Oscar for Rick Baker and Gail Rowell-Ryan, who also won a Bafta award. The costume designer Rita Ryack, the art director Michael Corenblith and the set decorator Merideth Boswell were Oscar nominated for their lovely work.

It’s also known as How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Made it the magical days when Carrey could do no wrong, it took $260million at the US box office alone.

Dr Seuss was born Theodor Geisel in Springfield, Massachusetts, on March 2 1904. He died on September 24 1991, aged 87. Many regard his How the Grinch Stole Christmas as the best holiday movie ever, though we mustn’t forget Scrooge (1951) and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946).

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(C) Derek Winnert 2013 Classic Film Review 496 derekwinnert.com

Christine Baranski plays Martha May Whovier.