Take Me To Whoville (All I Want For Christmas Write Off)

This opinion is my contribution to the All I Want For Christmas Write off hosted by ~prairiegirl16~. Enjoy the holiday and remember to read the reviews of the other participants listed at the end of this review.

Most, if not all, of us know the classic Dr. Seuss story How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The story about a mean, green terror whose heart was two sizes too small. WE know how he hated Christmas and all the people of Whoville. We've heard the story of how he decided to sneak into their homes and steal Christmas, not just the gifts and decorations but everything including the food. We even know how it ends with the citizens of Whoville celebrating the spirit of Christmas anyway and how the Grinch's cold heart was melted that day. If we know the story and how it ends, what makes this movie worth our time? Why should anyone see it?

There are four good answers to that question. A great director, excellent acting, a few additions to the story line, and the realistic performance of a traditional Christmas story.

DR. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas was written by Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman based on the original children's story by Dr. Seuss. How The Grinch Stole Christmas is my all time favorite Christmas story and it is made even better by great acting and directing.

Ron Howard has proven himself to be much more than a childhood star, he is an excellent director who takes movies to a higher level. His expert directing makes this film comedic and sentimental.

Of course a great director still needs a wonderful cast to make the movie work. This cast is full of excellent actors. Jim Carrey as the Grinch, Jeffrey Tambor as Mayor May Who, Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who, Christin Baranski as Martha May Whovier and many more. Others include Molly Shannon, Clint Howard, Verne Troyer, Mindy Sterling, and Bill Irwin. Anthony Hopkins narrates the story.

Jim Carrey literally throws himself into the comedy of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. His part as the lead character, the Grinch, required a great deal of physical humor. Carrey, dressed in green custom and make up, leaps and rolls. In the past Carrey has gotten many laughs just from his facial expressions. I had concerns that with all the make up the viewer would be unable to see the Jim Carrey we know and love. While the make up does make Carrey unrecognizable his facial expressions and body movements are unmistakable. Carrey was the perfect pick to play the emotional and moody Grinch.

Jeffrey Tambor plays Mayor May Who with the perfect combination of rude distrust and arrogance to make the viewer hope that the Grinch will get revenge against him. He is the kind of guy who has it all, wants everything to be his way, and is afraid to see anyone else get ahead.

Taylor Momsen plays Cindy Lou Who, so young and innocent, she hasn't yet grown into her nose. Cindy Lou wants to give the Grinch another chance in the true spirit of Christmas. When she isn't take seriously she pushes forward, uncovering the Grinch's past and helping him to become happier. She has blind faith in love.

Christine Baranski plays the sexy Martha May Whovier. As a young girl she had a crush on the Grinch, even now as the girlfriend of the Mayor she has feelings for the green guy. She silently cheers him on hoping that someday he might return her love.

There is even a faithful, hard working dog that the Grinch treats badly until he begins to feel love. Just like the story from my childhood.

Two back stories are developed in the film that intertwine with the original story. The fist is flashbacks on an awkward childhood filled with a cold Christmas left outside as an infant and constant teasing while growing up. This explains why the Grinch hates Christmas and Whoville. The second story is of a developing romance for the Grinch and Martha May that begins in childhood and is redeveloped when he returns to Whoville.

The parts that are added to Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas give the movie more depth and meaning and answer questions I had always had about the story.

There is something very special about having a childhood story come to life in front of your eyes. How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a wonderful movie that makes a fun tradition of my childhood Christmas seem so realistic. This movie will soon become a tradition in my home.

I can only imagine the hard work and time that went into the sets for this movie. Every scene looked like it was a page from Dr. Seuss' book that had come to life. Not one detail, but every detail, was filled with the imaginative creations of Dr. Seuss.

Don't miss this Christmas must see.

Here is the list of participants in the write off. Thanks!
Bomberbo7
Donnie013
rngpie
Greatpilgrim
Neenkena
sjlando
jag2112
Lisa_J
MaraTara
Lorace
jro26
copernicus
reviewer12
Debbie26
~prairiegirl16~