How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Review

It’s been 25 years since Jim Carrey debuted

As the live-action Grinch, so it must be reviewed.

These are my thoughts on How the Grinch Stole Christmas,

But all told in rhyme! You don’t want to miss this.

Jim Carrey’s performance is such a delight.

His comical antics are the film’s highlight.

His voice and improv are delightfully crazed,

And his makeup and costume deserve to be praised.

Young Taylor Momsen deserves applause, too,

For her role as adorable Cindy Lou Who.

Her role is much larger than it was in the book,

But her pure heart and kindness make her a strong hook.

The Christmas-themed costumes are also impressive,

And the sets have the proper amount of expressive

With which Seuss’s art style is associated.

The designers and artists should be celebrated.

James Horner’s score is sweet on the ear,

Balancing mischief with holiday cheer.

And Max, the Grinch’s ever-loyal pup,

Is a scene-stealing pooch who keeps spirits up.

This movie is one I enjoy quite a lot,

But, regrettably, there are parts I do not.

There are filmmaking choices I find rather iffy.

Fortunately, it will take but a jiffy.

The lore is expanded to give the Grinch reason

To hate both the Whos and the whole Christmas season.

While this makes him more sympathetic to the viewer,

It comes at a cost that stinks like the sewer.

I don’t like how the Whos are characterized,

Nor the manner in which they are utilized.

They’ve gone from a town of good-natured creatures

To materialistic jerks with unsightly features.

The cinematography is somewhat lopsided,

And the main demographic feels undecided.

A few of the more risqué jokes make me groan.

The need to include them, to me, is unknown.

Overall, these issues aren’t too big a deal,

For the comedy is the movie‘s biggest appeal.

While some criticism is certainly deserved,

The original moral is thankfully preserved.

The Chuck Jones cartoon is the better adaptation,

But the movie has strengths that give it salvation.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a guilty pleasure.

In spite of its flaws, it’s a movie I treasure.

Rating: 7/10