The Grinch

The Grinch was a movie I really wanted to see before Christmas but life was so busy and I just didn't have enough time. I am so glad I finally managed to see it.

LIKED:
- the animation is absolutely stunning! all of the colours and the contrast with the snow was amazing.

- Max was the most adorable puppy ever! for some reason, it reminded me of Dobby a bit :D

- a big part of the story was told in verse and there were many quotes taken directly from the book.

DISLIKED:
- I kind of wanted more songs

- Grinch wasn't portrayed as mean as I expected

OVERALL:
It was cute, adorable and very Christmasy! Yes, it was cheesy but it is supposed to be like that. I think I prefer it as an animation.

A much more family friendly story about 'The Grinch'.

I like it. It has a few issues but still does most things right, it's definitely solely made for families but that's not a negative - it does make sense to make an animated version of this Dr. Seuss book.

With that noted, I don't rate Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role. I don't think his voice suits the role at all, it needed someone who sounds more menacing and treacherous. I never felt, away from his obvious acts, any horrid side to Grinch here - though perhaps that suits the aforementioned family vibe they were aiming for.

Away from Cumberbatch, I thoroughly enjoyed Pharrell Williams' narration and it's cool to hear Angela Lansbury in a minor role. The plot to this 2018 film is solid, but the thing about it that stands out most to me is the humour - which I found consistently amusing, there are some funny gags in there.

Overall, this is a film I'll look back on as being good - even if it could've been greater, especially with a more suitable lead. If we're comparing this and the 2000 production, I think I prefer this one? It's close, Jim Carrey is great in that but this one's pacing is much better.

If I were a child, I would love it, but I am a grown-up man 😔

The Grinch picture is so bright, so contrasting, so my eyes were satisfied enough.

The Grinch itself is designed very attractively, which is good for children, but it's hard to believe that this character can be as mean as the Grinch should be.

Unfortunately, the story itself is quite predictable, and it's hard to keep your eyes open during the whole movie. While this is not bad for children, it may not appeal to a grown-up audience 🤷‍♂️

His transformation at the end, where his heart grows, was too fast and lacked sufficient explanation. I couldn't believe that I hadn't missed a crucial part leading to this transformation, so I watched it twice and didn't find that part.

9 - for a young me
6 - for the current me