While some may say nothing can beat the original, the best version is clearly the 2000 movie version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
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When it comes to Christmas classics, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas clearly comes out as the most iconic piece of Christmas entertainment. But with all the different adaptations, varying from the book to film, which one is superior?
While some may say nothing can beat the original, the best version is clearly the 2000 movie version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
The film keeps the core storyline, but the practical effects and stylization of the film set it apart from previous adaptations.
Jim Carrey, who plays the Grinch, brings the character to life with a zany portrayal of the antihero of the story. His Grinch mannerisms are cartoony enough to call back to the original book, but realistic enough so the audience isn’t put off.
Taylor Momsen plays a simply sweet Cindy Lou Who, the perfect opposite to the Grinch’s villainous nature. Her costuming, along with that of the other characters, captivates viewers.
While one must appreciate the book’s simplistic color scheme of pinks and reds, the added colors and textures within the film bring the land of Whoville to life.
The original, animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas was suitable for the time, but is too short at only 26 minutes and offers little visual interest.
The only thing the animated one has going for it is its addition of more songs that are lacking in the live-action film. While the iconic “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” appears in both adaptations, the animated version does have some songs that, if added, would have been greatly appreciated in the live-action.
The most recent adaptation, 2018’s The Grinch, a computer-animated film, lacks severely compared to its predecessors. While there are no issues with the animation itself, which is pleasing to watch with its bright colors, the storyline deviates from the original source too much. Its attempt to reinvent the classic Grinch story falls flat.
Overall, the most iconic and best version of the Christmas classic is clearly the 2000’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.