The Grinch Review

"Today we will do mean things and we will do them in style!"


The Grinch was directed by Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier and is the latest adaptation of the character to appear on the big screens. The film stars the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Cameron Seely, Rashida Jones, Pharell Williams, Tristen O'Hare and Angela Lansbury. The film follows a grumpy Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) as he plans to finally put a stop to Christmas and ruin the festive holiday for all in the village of Whoville.

Whilst this version of the Grinch will always be compared to Jim Carrey's legendary portrayal of the Grinch back in 2000, it is important to mention that this latest film following the character of the Grinch, whilst taking elements from Jim Carreys film, such as narrative structure elements and the same overall plot, but for me The Grinch (2018) is meant for a much younger audience and certainly delivers in capturing the overall concept of the character perfectly whilst creating a charming, heart warming film that will leave kids and adults alike wanting more and feeling in the festive spirit. One of the stand elements of the film is without a doubt the animation. Illumination the company behind making the film, who have previously worked on the Despicable Me franchise and more recently The Secret life of pets film, are known for the brightly coloured animation style and The Grinch is no different. The film looks beautiful with its brightly coloured and sharp animation style and really compliments the overall film as a whole. Another standout element of the film is without a doubt its main star Benedict Cumberbatch who portrays the Grinch. Cumberbatchs performance whilst being a more toned down and more natural take on the character compared to Jim Carrey's take on the character, does not disappoint, and whilst not necessarily being as mean as Carrey's version of the character, but makes up for that with wit, great use of comedic timing and charm during the later parts of the film.

There wasn't really anything that I majorly did not enjoy about this film, the only small element would be how the Grinch was portrayed during the first act of the film. As I mentioned earlier in the review this version of the Grinch is definitely targeted towards a much younger audience, and I think it definitely works not just as a film children will love, but one that adults will enjoy too. Whilst I believe it is very difficult to beat Jim Carrey's version of the character (I mean come on its Jim Carrey!), and I personally believe that Cumberbatch did a great job, but personally the filmmakers could of channelled a bit more of the Grinch's mean side during the first act of the film whilst still sticking to the targeted younger audience as for me at times it was a little bit too toned down (probably because of the targeted audience) which for me resulted in The Grinch's feelings on Christmas changing a little bit too quickly, as there were glimmers of change early on, especially during the first act of the film.

Overall this a great family Christmas film that will not only keep the kids entertained but a film that adults will enjoy too, not only does the film have brightly coloured sharp animation which looks great, but is charming and at times heart warming and will leave you leaving the cinema with a smile on your face. This is definitely a must see family film this Christmas season.

Verdict: 4 out 5 stars