THE GRINCH

Directors
Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier
(Feature film debut)

Stars
The voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, Pharrell Williams, Cameron Seely, Rashida Jones and Kenan Thompson

This is the third screen adaptation of the 1957 Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” following the television special from 1966 and the live-action film starring Jim Carrey in the year 2000, of which both are titled the same as the book. Although I have not previously viewed either movie rendition of this story, it is reported that this Grinch is less antisocial and not quite as mean than in previous incarnations. After seeing this film, I’m inclined to concur. The Grinch, though undoubtedly a scorned and spiteful being who deliberately sets out to ruin the idyllic Christmas for everyone in the local town of Whoville, is certainly no bad Santa for the animation family film genre. In fact, I’m convinced that even I can be more wretched than the Grinch on a bad day!

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Unlike its predecessors, THE GRINCH validates the uncharitable behaviour of its titular character. By both diminishing and reasoning his nastiness, it is clear that the makers of this Illumination production are more heavily targeting the younger age-bracket of an all-ages crowd. Though THE GRINCH succeeds at this, it also creates and builds an increasing gap in its ability to equally entertain adults and children alike for its entire duration. A short film starring some of the much-loved minions and the opening act of this film, whose pretty animated production design instantly brings on those joyful Christmas feels, is most definitely the right way to start. Unfortunately though, a very standard script thereafter that follows the rule book at every turn cannot do much to preserve the fun and festive vibe that melts away like snow in sunshine. The little ones will effortlessly enjoy the harmless fun given to them by way of a considerable number of antics displayed by its characters. The younger audience that I shared the cinema with loved the screaming bleat of the goat each time it appeared. But for adolescents and adults, that shortened threshold is breached early and ultimately, THE GRINCH becomes dull.

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By no means is THE GRINCH a Christmas Turkey. But it is routine as Santa’s visit down your chimney night of Christmas Eve.