“The Grinch” makes a Christmas comeback

BY SOFIA MENDEZ

On Friday, November 9, the one-and-only holiday-hating cartoon character came back in time for Christmas. When the people from Whoville announce that they are going to make Christmas this year three times bigger, the Grinch realizes that the only way to obtain some peace and quiet is to steal Christmas.

The Grinch and his loyal dog Max live inside a lonely cave on Mount Crumpit. His main source of irritation and anger comes during Christmas time when the Whos decide to celebrate the holidays bigger and brighter. With the help of Max, the green grumpy protagonist plans a scheme to pose as Santa Claus and steal every little bit of Christmas from the Whos.

The creators of the 2018 cartoon movie had a slightly different vision, but still maintained the same shapes that Dr. Seuss had created in the book to show the town.

In the meantime, Cindy Lou Who– daughter of a single mother with three children– plans to meet Santa Claus, hoping to personally deliver a Christmas wish for him to lighten the workload of her overworked mother. All the gifts and gadgets of the holiday season don’t matter to Cindy Lou, because what she really cares about is her mother. The humble and selfless character is key to the theme of the movie.

It’s been more than six decades since the Grinch was invented and over time the character has evolved. Though his appearance changes in the recent film, the plot remains the same.

In 1957, Dr. Seuss wrote the children’s holiday story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” In the book, Whoville was only slightly hinted at, with it only being a thin line drawing. In 2000, the book came to life as a live-action film on the big screen, in which Jim Carrey portrayed the Grinch.

Another highlight from the movie is certainly the soundtrack. The classical song “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch” returns, but this time it’s sung by well-known artist Tyler the Creator who gives it an edgy tune.

The colors and props were all increased to depict the town of Whoville as it was shown in the book. The creators of the 2018 cartoon movie had a slightly different vision, but still maintained the same shapes that Dr. Seuss had created in the book to show the town. Whoville provides a completely unique Christmas holiday experience. While incorporating the elaborate detail that computer animation provides, the movie creators included the original, imaginative plans for the town– stacked buildings that form into a peak, with mountains surrounding the entire town.

In the film, the Grinch develops a sense of kindness and gratitude for everyone in the community, regardless of their beliefs and what they have to share with others. It shows how a person can hold a grudge for many years and miss out on all of the positivity that surrounds them.

Another highlight from the movie is certainly the soundtrack. The classical song “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch” returns, but this time it’s sung by well-known artist Tyler the Creator who gives it an edgy tune.

The movie demonstrates how, no matter what, the holidays should always be spent with loved ones. As the film shows, the state of being united really does make a huge impact in someone’s life.

Photo courtesy of Den of Greek