Overview
Director Ron Howard casts comedian Jim Carrey in the title role in this live-action adaptation of the famous Christmas tale by Dr. Seuss, giving this rendition of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS a delightfully manic spin. Carrey is virtually unrecognizable in his elaborate green makeup, but his anarchic comic touch is unmistakable. He manages to fully embody the grumpy title character, while still supplying his own comedic touches, and it is his performance that makes the film a treat for adults and children alike. The candy-colored set design for the town of Whoville and the jubilant score contribute to the overall feeling of innocuous fantasy that the Grinch disrupts with his dastardly deeds. The familiar story of the Grinch stealing every present in town on Christmas Eve has been expanded to incorporate flashbacks to the Grinch's childhood, which serve to explain his hostility toward the Whos. As Cindy Lou-Who, a little girl so sweet she sees goodness even in the Grinch, young Taylor Momsen strikes just the right note of adorable ingenuousness. Howard gets the performance the film needs from her, as her character makes the Grinch's eventual change of heart both believable and touching.
Awards:
Main Cast & Crew:
Ron Howard - Director
Jim Carrey
Taylor Momsen
Jeffrey Tambor
Christine Baranski
Bill Irwin
Molly Shannon
Clint Howard
Mindy Sterling
Anthony Hopkins
Details
- Format: DVD
- Color Format: Color
- UPC: 191329032725
- Genre: CHRISTMAS / CHANUKKAH
- Rating: PG (MPAA)
- Release Date: October 2017
Movie Reviews
Notes:
Theatrical Release: November 17, 2000
Max the Dog was found in a pound a few months before shooting.
Screenwriters Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman also wrote WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT.
"Where Are You Christmas?," cowritten by Mariah Carey and performed by Faith Hill, is featured on the film's soundtrack, along with a rap song, "Grinch 2000," featuring Jim Carrey and Busta Rhymes.
Director Ron Howard had to convince the widow of Ted (Dr. Seuss) Geisel to grant him permission to film the beloved children's story.
Jim Carrey spent five hours a day in the makeup chair to get into costume.
Jeff Strickler of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune named THE GRINCH one of the 10 best films of 2000.
Reviews:
"...Mr. Carrey's ability to pentrate his character's disguise and get away with his usual mugging and clowning is technically no small accomplishment..." - 11/17/2000 New York Times, p.E20
"...Fantastic....A hugely imaginative technical achievement....Carrey wears the costume well..." - 01/01/2000 Variety, p.88
"...HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS still has heart....[Carrey gives] a maniacal performance..." - 01/01/2001 Box Office, p.66
"...Thanks to makeup whiz Rick Baker's surprisingly flexible latex work, Carrey's patented rubbery expressions are allowed to come through unimpeded..." - 11/17/2000 Hollywood Reporter, p.8