12 Reviews of Christmas - The Grinch (2018)

          Hey guys, Chuck here. Well, over the last two years of 12 Reviews of Christmas, I have talked about the original television special of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the live-action remake from the year 2000 starring Jim Carrey. Well today, as part of 12 Reviews of Christmas, I would like to finish out talking about the different versions of Dr. Seuss' story with the 2018 version of The Grinch from Illumination Entertainment, the same animation house behind Despicable Me.

         Okay, so while I won't harp on the story too much, because it's pretty much the same story that we've seen before. However, I would like to talk about a couple of things exclusive to this version. First off is a new backstory for the Grinch, in that he grew up in the local Whoville orphanage, and didn't get to enjoy Christmas because he was unwanted as a child. Another major change is with the character of Cindy Lou. In this version, she's a sporty type of girl who has only one Christmas wish, and it's for her mother, who is a hard-working single mom, to be happy this Christmas. Lastly, we have the ending where the Grinch gets invited to a Christmas party with the Who's, where he reveals that it wasn't Christmas he hated, it was the years of being alone for Christmas that he hated. And now, he realizes he's not alone anymore. 

            I'd also like to get into the voice cast, which includes the likes of Kenan Thompson, Rashida Jones, Cameron Seely, and Angela Lansbury. Each actor is really good, and I will admit that Cameron Seely is especially excellent as Cindy Lou. I also want to mention the narrator, Pharrell Williams. As far as narrators go, Pharrell is really good here, and his voice really fits for the festive holiday feeling this movie has. But the main star is Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch. He is definitely a really good choice for the Grinch, and I had a lot of fun with his version. In terms of the three versions of the character, Cumberbatch definitely is my second favorite right in between Boris Karloff and Jim Carrey. 

           I also really like the brighter, more vibrant colors in this movie, which definitely feel more festive and warm, which is how one should feel around the Christmas holiday. Directors Yarrow Cheney and Scott Nosier did a really good job with this movie. So, in terms of the three versions of the story, the original Chuck Jones classic is still the best, but this version by Illumination is definitely my second favorite, followed by the live-action version with Jim Carrey. Definitely a fun holiday treat for younger viewers, I give The Grinch a rating of 4.25/5. 

        This is Chuck signing off. Join me tomorrow for the penultimate installment of this year's 12 Reviews of Christmas, where we head back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Hawkeye. Also, join me later today for my review of The Matrix Resurrections. 

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