Vice and Virtue: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

2000 version is better:

Why see Wicked when there’s an obviously better story about a green outsider? The 2000 live-action version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is undoubtedly the best version. Don’t ask Rotten Tomatoes, though. What do they know anyway? Firstly, this movie feels as if it were pulled straight from the brain of Theodor Seuss Geisel himself. It’s as wacky and eerie as anything he’s written. This is not meant to be an endearing, heartwarming, awww-inspiring movie. It’s gritty. It’s gross. It’s real. And if the visuals aren’t your speed, you at least have to admire Jim Carrey's dedication to his craft: he had special CIA torture agents train him how to survive the pounds of prosthetics it took to turn him into the furry green character. Their advice? Smoke as much as you can. The prosthetics took two and a half hours to apply every day, and then eight-plus hours of filming followed. Carrey described it as “having a refrigerator strapped to your back.” Besides Carrey, this movie has a stellar cast, from Taylor Momsen (Gossip Girl) to Jeffrey Tambour (Arrested Development), with Apollo 13 director and Happy Days actor Ron Howard directing. 

The societal commentary in this movie is strong. There are lessons on holiday overconsumption, conformity, capitalism, bullying, dictatorship, and the mistreatment of animals. Don’t let the seriousness of this movie deter you, though. If you’re looking for a fun holiday time, this movie is choc-full of funny quotable moments, facial expressions, and physical humor. It captures Suess’ zaniness and off-puttingness in a way the animated one never could. Everyone in this movie is ridiculous and flawed but learns valuable lessons. 

The final selling point (not that it needs it) is the soundtrack of this film. The other versions wish they had music from The Barenaked Ladies, Busta Rhymes, Faith Hill, *NSYNC, and Smash Mouth. Yep, that’s all your favorite artists in one green package. Additionally, Carrey and Momsen’s vocals are featured. Highlights include the best version of You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch (I said it. Sorry, Tyler fans), and Where Are You Christmas.

Watch this movie. Don’t bother with the others.

Original is better:

Do you need to get in the Christmas spirit but don’t have 2 hours to do so? Or maybe you’re baking some sugar cookies and need some background visuals and a calm narrating voice. Either way, I have to point you in the direction of the original 1966 How the Grinch Stole Christmas! This classic film has two adaptations for a reason, but it's pretty clear that none can beat it. Sure, if you’re on a Jim Carrey filmography binge or you’re craving that minions-style animation, then I guess you might like the other two. But the original Grinch film will always be the best. 

When you think of 1960s animation, you may not expect the picturesque colorful techniques employed by this movie’s animators, but any still of this film could be found on an “aesthetic late-night Christmas” Pinterest board. The facial expressions of the Grinch in this animated style go far beyond those possible in the other two films. 

You may not know that the voice narrating this timeless movie and the part of the Grinch is Boris Karloff. The Grinch isn’t the only green icon Karloff has played; he was also the original Frankenstein. Not only does the Grinch narrator speak in rhymes, but the movie also has the excellent voice of Thurl Ravenscroft singing You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch. Ravenscroft was the voice of Kellogg’s spokesperson Tony the Tiger for over 50 years, while other singers Jim Carrey and Tyler, the Creator haven’t voiced any cereal brand mascots. Not to mention, the soundtrack for this special won the Grammy Award for Best Album for Children at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards. 

The story of the Grinch is not that complex, and all the two-hour adaptations have added cliche plot tactics in order to make their movie long enough for the box office. The original doesn’t need all that mumbo jumbo. 

Overall, I would definitely recommend watching this movie. If The Mask wasn’t enough green Jim Carrey for you, or you really like Tyler’s Grinch song, go ahead and watch those versions. But on any occasion, you should watch the 1966 How the Grinch Stole Christmas!