The inventive, although sometimes wacky, rhymes of Dr Seuss in such favorites as ‘The Cat in the Hat,’ ‘Green Eggs and Ham,’ and ‘Horton Hatches an Egg’ are cherished memories for almost everyone. But during the holiday season, thoughts turn to the tale of The Grinch that stole Christmas, whose heart was two sizes too small. Creating a live version of the Grinch, which would earn the blessing of Dr Seuss’ estate and complement the 1966 animated television version now seen annually, fell to talented actor Jim Carrey and director Ron Howard. In the fantasy world of Whoville, all the Whos are busily shopping, stringing up bigger and better light shows, and getting ready for the big Who-balation celebration of Christmas. But all the commotion makes little Cindy Lou Who, played by Taylor Momsen, wonder if there isn’t something more to Christmas. And why the reclusive Grinch on Mount Crumpit isn’t enjoying Christmas with the other Whos. Reminded of a long ago humiliation, the Grinch plans his revenge on the happy Whos. No doubt, this GRINCH will become a classic in its own right. But there are a few questionable scenes such as the Grinch holding mistletoe over his posterior and telling the Whos to kiss it as an insult. It’s also implied that a man kisses a dog’s rear. Several scenes use slapstick-type violence, but the message that Christmas doesn’t come from a store makes the Grinch a family winner.

>From http://www.gospelcom.net/preview/dbresultstest.php3?1773

“The Grinch” or How Hypocritical Hollywood Stole Christmas

Review by Cris Bruce

Is this movie entertaining? Yes it is. Is that why most people will go to see it? Yes it is. Does Jim Carrey do a good job of portraying the Grinch? Definitely; he was born for the part and his comic performance is inspired. His facial expressions are worth the admission price alone. (Ever notice that his best roles have him in green costumes with a dog sidekick? Go rent “The Mask”.)

Does Ron Howard bring the look of Dr. Seuss’ universe to the screen? Somewhat. The Grinch’s lair, and the Grinch himself are both dead-on. Whoville, however, looks like a bunch of spray painted styrofoam. The Whos in Whoville, who have shunned The Grinch, are much more worried about presents under the tree (Playstation 2 anyone?) than they are about helping out their fellow Who. Little Cindy Who sings a song (available at your local record store) that wonders where the Christmas spirit has gone. It seems to be buried deep under the lights, decorations, bows, presents, and elaborately decorated Christmas trees that monopolize the Whoville skyline.

The problem with this shallow film is the bad aftertaste that lingers afterwards. This film is the antithesis of what Dr. Seuss preached to little kids in his timeless children books. The late Theodore Giesel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) was very critical of consumerism and waste. His controversial book, “The Lorax”, is a seering criticism of this country’s wasteful ways. It told the story of how an entire forest and its denizens were destroyed by corporations making “Wuzzits”. (This book was banned by many Oregon school districts because of its anti-logging stance.) Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” follows this vein.

The Grinch, more than anyone in the film, is appalled by the amount of garbage generated every year by the Whos. His mountain lair serves as a land-fill for the consumer Whos and all their waste. A good message but a very hypocritical one; this is a merchandising movie. A trip to a toy or grocery store right now will find you being peered at by hundreds of grinning Grinches whose image can be found on everything from wrapping paper to napkins to stockings to nail clippers to stuffed dolls and even (uggh!!)

credit cards. Is there a more apt symbol of American consumerism than the credit card? It is doubtful that Seuss would appreciate the image of the Grinch being used to sell more wuzzits and whozits to the American Whoville, especially at Christmas time. Where is Christmas indeed?

>From http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/how_grinch_stole.htm