Take a Chance on the New ‘Grinch’ Movie?

When a new 3D animated movie called The Grinch was announced, I was instantly skeptical.

Why? Because the original How the Grinch Stole Christmas television special is my favorite Christmas special. There’s something magic in the Grinch’s transformation that gives hope to all those lost and alone at the holidays, not to mention the cuteness of Max and that incredible scene where the Grinch’s heart grows three sizes. And it’s remained a classic because it’s a perfect bit of storytelling, the combination of music, story, and cast. How crazy is it that more people have experienced Boris Karloff via his role as the Grinch than his movies? (A similar situation exists for Fred Astaire and Mickey Rooney for their roles as the mailman and Kris Kringle in Santa Claus is Coming to Town.) 

I avoided the 2000 movie adaptation, also called How the Grinch Stole Christmas, because, well, it still looks terrible and I couldn’t imagine it being any better than the original. I suspect others felt disappointed in this movie, else there would not be yet another remake of the original story based, of course, on Dr. Seuss’ book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

But now a new animated film is coming out in November and I’m intrigued. One, it has Benedict Cumberbatch, an actor who is terrific in voice roles, as the title character. Two, it’s made by people who made some fine movies, including Despicable Me. Three, the trailer above shows some promise, though it does have a little too much physical comedy for my taste. (But, still, MAX!)

And, lastly, if it’s a good movie, that’s yet another new generation hooked on the classic story of the Grinch and how his heart grew three sizes, and how the holidays are not about presents, but fellowship and love.