But Howard's production is far too busy and indulgent, misunderstanding its own strengths and burying them. I'm divided on this one. Yes, I recommend that people go and see Jim Carrey's incredible performance in the most amazing creature costume I've ever seen. But no, I think that the film becomes boring and overstuffed. I enjoyed Jim Carrey, and those few moments when Anthony Hopkins' narration actually sticks to the original story.
Some stories are short for a reason.
The Grinch hates the Whos, it's as simple as that. But no matter how much adversity he throws down on the town of Whoville, he's never able to spoil Christmas. Animator Chuck Jones made a beloved animated cartoon of the story that stuck to the script, provided perfect voices for the characters, and added a memorable, brilliant song. But Ron Howard's new movie adaptation stretches the story out to 109 minutes, gets preoccupied with why the Grinch is grouchy, and uses Whoville as an opportunity to show off special effects and a cast of seemingly hundreds. It also gives Jim Carrey the opportunity to turn in the most superhuman comic performance of his career.