Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a timeless tale about a big green grump learning the meaning of Christmas by literally stealing it. Dr. Seuss originally never wanted any of his stories to be adapted into films or specials. That was until legendary Looney Tune’s animator Chuck Jones decided to adapt The Grinch as an animated Christmas special which changed Dr. Suess’s mind after he was honored to be brought on board to oversee production and the rest is history.
North of Whoville, The Grinch is looking over the who’s and their celebration of the Christmas season. The Grinch hates Christmas and after 53 years of dealing with the who’s festivities, he finally snaps and decides to take matters into his own hands by making a Santa costume, using his dog Max as a reindeer and bringing a sled full of empty sacks so he can go down to Whoville during the night to steal everything that sparkles and glows. Soon after the grinch starts to realize the true meaning of Christmas after he commits his mischievous deed.
Unlike the two big budget Hollywood movies that pad the story in the wrong areas, this special knows what to stretch out and what to keep from the original source. It basically follows the story of the book while adding a bit of new material that in no way is useless to the spirit of what made the book good to begin with. The animation is quite good as its colorful and whimsical as it takes Dr Suess’s illustrations and gives them a new color platte while still keeping the charm of why Suess’s work stands out from the rest.
Every character has a distinct motion whether its the grinch with his grumpy and sinister like movements or Max who’s movements are a bit more perky and buoyant. There are also songs that have instantly become Christmas classics in their own right and I wouldn't blame them. “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” is an excellent villain song and “Welcome Christmas” is both mellow and heartfelt at the same time.
Many studios have tried to replicate what made The Grinch a success to begin with but only the cartoon special that still airs on tv to this very day is the most faithful to its litterary source. Its heartfelt message, colorful animation and timeless story telling makes this Christmas special a must watch for anyone during the holiday season.
(Final Grade: A)