With The Grinch is coming out this week, it isn’t all about the new movie. Critics still have a lot of thoughts about the 2000 version.
With the new The Grinch movie coming out this week, lots of reviews are being put out. While the reviews for the new version of the classic Christmas story have been fairly positive, these reviews have also given critics a chance to air their grievances about the 2000 Jim Carrey version of the story. That version, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, is not a favorite among these critics — that is for sure.
We’ve collected some of the funniest comments from critics about the Carrey version of the story.
Variety
This review from Variety notes that the 2000 version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas actually did really well at the box office and was the top-grossing movie of that year. Despite that, it is generally hated by critics, and the review made sure to note that.
"Ron Howard’s live-action remake of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, with Jim Carrey cutting loose in about 12 different ways as the furry Scrooge of Whoville, remains one of the most critically reviled Hollywood films of the past 20 years."
(It has a 52% on Rotten Tomatoes.)
The Wrap
Alonso Duralde, in his review, is not a big fan of Carrey’s version of the Grinch and prefers Cumberbatch’s take on the character, saying, “Cumberbatch isn’t trying to channel Karloff (or, thank goodness, Jim Carrey); his Grinch is snarly and embittered, but you see glimmers of kindness.”
Duralde also points out how much he hates the messy, over-the-top visuals of the 2000 version: “The 2000 live-action take was such a grim and overblown piece of Yule-sploitation. That version no doubt led many to dread this latest one.”
The Hollywood Reporter
Michael Rechtshaffen’s review really hits hard and doesn’t pull punches — at least when it comes to the 2000 version.
"Much closer in spirit to the beloved book and the evergreen 1966 TV special than the soulless lump of coal that was the 2000 Ron Howard-Jim Carrey collaboration, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch is a vibrant, amusing CG animated feature that gives the big mean, green guy a kinder, gentler makeover."
Think you can guess which version he likes better? (We’ll give you three guesses, and the first two don’t count at all.)
Empire Online
This quote reminds us all of some of the…interesting dialogue choices of the 2000 version of the Grinch story which, to be honest, weren’t always completely necessary.
“This is a far different beast to its zany Ron Howard-directed predecessor, which dared to feature a disturbingly creepy Jim Carrey performance and a line about turning ponies into glue.”
(At least we’ll always have “Double hate. Loathe entirely!“)
New York Times
The New York Times isn’t here for either version of the film. Maybe these movies were mostly just made for kids, but the NYT isn’t having it.
"Grousing about pointless remakes is a critical activity so frequently practiced that it’s become a form of conventional wisdom…The latest version, like the unfortunate 2000 live-action film starring Jim Carrey, pads out the parable with slapstick business and character enlargement."
No wit here, just a casual drop of “unfortunate” before moving on to skewer newer, greener Grinches.
Daily Mirror
People going to see the new Grinch can rest assured that almost all of the critics like it better than the last version: “More appealing than Jim Carey’s laboured live-action adaption which appeared 18 years ago, little kids will enjoy this version for its zippy pace, bold colours and daft humour.” (Yes, it’s a UK review.)
Insider
This review from Insider promises that the new version will at least by a kind of palate cleanser after Jim Carrey brought his version of the Grinch to life, saying, “And it may just scare away any nightmares you have of Jim Carrey’s 2000 movie.”
AV Club
And, last but not least, we will leave you with these strong words from the AV Club.
“Illumination’s Grinch doesn’t distort the original, like Ron Howard’s garish eyesore of a live-action version.“
To be honest, the 2000 version isn’t that bad. Is it good? No. Is it a holiday classic like the original animated version? Definitely not. But it is kind of funny, and there are moments that are enjoyable.
There was something fun about the over-the-top, garish world of the Whos that points to our own tendencies to go overboard when it comes to the holiday season. Let’s be honest here. Most holiday movies are kind of bad or corny in one way or another, but it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy them.
What do you think? Do you feel like How the Grinch Stole Christmas is that bad of a movie? Or do you enjoy it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!