The Grinch (2000)

Every Christmas at our house, it is a family tradition to watch The Grinch together on Christmas Eve. It is probably one of the funniest and most joyful of Christmas movies. Even the Grinch's hatred of everything ("Looooathe entirely!")has the absolutely opposite effect - rather than dampening our spirits, it raises them, and we cheerfully join in. Not since Scrooge's "Bah Humbug!" (which Carrey also delivers with relish in Disney's A Christmas Carol) has a phrase so become part of the holiday.

Carrey's portrayal of the Grinch carries the whole thing, of course (pun intended). His movements, his facial expressions and his gestures are all perfect, bringing this bizarre but beloved creation of Dr Seuss to life. But he is also ably supported by a troupe of actors who somehow manage to sing and dance and prance about in spite of some very uncomfortable prosthetics make up - Carrey suffered most though, in a restricting and suffocating full body suit.

Little Cindy Lou Who, the impossibly sweet child who finally breaks down the Grinch's defenses, is played by Taylor Momsen, when she was an impossibly sweet child. Now, of course, she plays the social climber Jenny in Gossip Girl and fronts a rock band called the Pretty Reckless. But you wouldn't know any of this was in her future when you see her in The Grinch. Personally I find her rendition of Where Are You Christmas to be as toothache inducing as pure sugar, but my grandkids absolutely love her. The adults usually wander off to make a cup of coffee during this saccharine scene.

But for the rest it is just pure fun for all ages. Christine Baranski as Martha May Whovier is always a delight, and the battle of the decorated houses is actually reminiscent of some streets we have lived in. Max the Dog is a special favorite - he doesn't do much, but he does it so well.

The narration by Sir Anthony Hopkins is another favorite part of this movie - his gentle, charming voice (so very difference from his role in Silence of the Lambs) sets the tone for the story, and puts everyone in a relaxed and happy mood. This is one Christmas tradition that I doubt will be lost in our house, at least. Why not pop over to our SciFi and Fantasy Movie forums and share your best Christmas movie?

I purchased this DVD with my own funds.