The Grinch (2018) Review

Does the world need another version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas? A lot of people didn't think so, and I did initially, but I was on board with it when they announced Benedict Cumberbatch would voice the green curmudgeon. I've always loved Dr. Seuss, reading his books and watching the TV specials. That love has resurfaced when I became an adult, reading some of those classic books to my little brother. Looking forward to this new movie made me feel like I was nine years old again when the Jim Carrey version was coming soon. The only difference was I wasn't filled with fear as a child because the trailer for the live action movie freaked me out. That extreme close up of Jim Carrey as the Grinch when Cindy Lou encounters him in the mailroom still haunts me. Having seen that version one hundred too many times, I was in favor of another version, but the animated special by Chuck Jones was still near and dear to my heart.

You all know the story, so I'll just say what did and didn't work. I enjoyed Cumberbatch's approach to voicing the Grinch, though it was different than I expected. He speaks in a higher register and in an American accent. I didn't think Cumberbatch could do an American accent when he played Doctor Strange, but he's been improving. Ironically, the makers wanted him to speak in his normal English accent but he insisted on doing it in this previously mentioned style instead. Aside from that, the character isn't portrayed that strong. Oh, he is a self-loathing grump in this version, but most of the time he acts like a prima donna. And there were some out of characters moments since his heart is supposed to be two sizes too small. He is almost too nice to his dog, Max, but I think the last thing the movie wants is to have parents complain about animal cruelty. Still, the big change of heart moment for him doesn't feel quite as strong.

As for the other elements, the Whos are more innocent in this version like in the book and not so greedy like in the live action version, but honestly, I wasn't into the parts involving them and was waiting for the Grinch to pop up again. Cindy Lou Who has a bigger role like in the live action version and her motive was attempting to meet Santa Claus so she can tell him her wish of having her workaholic mother spend more time with her. I actually prefer the live action Cindy Lou's story since she wants to know if there's more to Christmas than just buying a lot of gifts and also trying to make the Grinch feel more accepted. Then you have Pharrell Williams as the narrator, and after having this story narrated by Boris Karloff and Anthony Hopkins, it felt like a very odd choice. But at least it rhymes. Back to the Grinch, his theme was performed by hip-hop artist Tyler, the Creator. I'll just say it's a lot better than this other version by Busta Rhymes that was apparently part of the soundtrack to the live action version. There's more time dedicated to the Grinch putting together his awful plan to steal Christmas. Yet this movie asks some questions like what if reindeer weren't scarce and the Grinch attempted to get one? Where did he get that sleigh? Well, he got this one large reindeer he named Fred but he ended up using Max as his reindeer. And he stole the sleigh from a jolly Who named Bricklebaum who wants to be a friend to the Grinch. The only purposes I could see to these scenarios is to provide some subpar slapstick and a cute animal sidekick. And the sequence where he steals the Whos' gifts and decorations ran a little shorter but you get to see some creative ways he snatches everything with cool gadgets.

Overall, while this isn't insulting as The Cat in the Hat, it just doesn't hit the mark, much like The Lorax. The only things it had going for it was Cumberbatch's voice work and some nice animation. I feel this would be an okay, harmless movie to show to five-year-olds, but if you have an attachment to the animated special and/or the live action version, you're pretty much better off watching those.

RATING: SEMI-APPROVAL (C-)