Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch stole Christmas was the original animated classic by Chuck Jones that became a heart-warming timeless hit for all families as well as for Christmas itself. Now, Ron Howard is the producer and director of this live-action version/remake/update and I have no idea why they decided to make it into a comedy and hire Jim Carry as the title character. I really don't know why? It was as if, Ron Howard realized that Saturday Night Live has recently became a major hit for everyone and he has seen the original animated film, so he decided to make it a full-length adaptation of the Grinch that embraces the traditional sense of Saturday Night Live. Unlike the original source which is straightly subtle, this one is more wacky, kooky, and of course: cartoony. I find it very questionable, odd, and maybe even unacceptable. But, I actually enjoyed this goofy film. Here's why: Even though the thought of making a charming Dr. Suess story into a strangely boisterous comedy with Jim Carry in the spotlight is unacceptable, I will forgive this film if it's actually funny, and surprisingly enough, It's actually very funny with slick concepts, including shifting the screenplay to fast forward mode in some parts, the well-utilized comical tone and well-paced timing that is thorough, the off-the-wall imagery, and Jim Carry's bombastic satire performance. I like how Ron Howard manipulated the comedy. The only problem with the comedy is that there are two butt jokes that are vulgar. Anyways, There is even a decent amount of heart and emotion as well and I find the emotional aspect of the film upbeat. What's even more upbeat, is that the visuals (or the production design), the rhymes, and the costumes for the cast to wear is faithfully accurate to the original source of Dr. Suess. And the film gives us a backstory about why the Grinch hated Christmas the whole Christmas season, that gives the Grinch some depth. The visual effects and special effects are especially great, but what's even more great is the moral of the film; strong messages about rejecting the commercialization of Christmas, celebrating love, gratefulness, and showing how even the smallest kindness can change the hardest heart. In conclusion: The heart is in the right place and Jim Carry is really funny as the title character, even if this goofy live-action updated remake is unfaithful to the original source material. Regardless, it's enjoyable, very amusing, and quite harmless for kids and adults alike. Recommended. 3.5/5

Have to be honest, haven't watched this movie until today. It holds up very well, even after 17 years. Jim Carrey is in is prime in this movie, and plays the role of "The Grinch" very well. The story between Cindy and the Grinch also has a great way of pulling on your heart strings. This movie teaches you that Christmas is about family, friends, and each other. Above all, your left with a heart that is very much so, three times bigger.

Some things should never be remade....this is one of them. Cheap laughs, crude behavior and way too many adult themes to be targeted at kids. Stick with the original, you can't go wrong there.