As the hairy, green-faced, anti-social, Scroogian party pooper, Jim Carrey not only portrays the Grinch in this remake of the 1966 cartoon classic, he actually becomes the Grinch. Carrey’s trademark impressions and over-the-top antics steal the show, as he brings Dr. Seuss’ character to life in a believable he hilarious manner.

The movie opens with the voice of Anthony Hopkins narrating in Seussian verse as the mystical and almost majestic setting of Whoville is introduced to the audience.

There the holiday spirit is in full swing, as the delightful Whos usher in the new Christmas. Among the Whos is little Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) who believes that there is a kinder, gentler Grinch under his hostile exterior.
Cindy Lou tries her best to help the Grinch discover the softie trying to come out. She goes as far as to nominate him for the Christmas award in town, where the Grinch is thought to be the scariest creature that ever existed.

The Grinch accepts and is on the verge of enjoying his newfound respect for Christmas when he is faced with the same adolescent immaturity that turned him away from Christmas so many years before.

This is when the Grinch unleashes his wrath upon the Whos, who are going to be expecting their stockings hanging by the fireplace, the Christmas feast in the refrigerator, and the presents sitting under the perfectly trimmed Christmas tree. The Grinch is almost successful in stealing the Whos’ Christmas until his wrong doings backfire, leaving the Grinch in a state of astonishment and bewilderment.

The Grinch’s reaction to the realization that there is more to Christmas than just materialistic objects, is one of a pure Carrey nature. No one other than Carrey could pull off the physical trauma that occurs when the Grinch reaches his internal conflict between his heart and green head.

There was more to the acting than just Carrey. Momsen gives an adorable and endearing performance as little Cindy Lou, teaching that there is more to Christmas than just giving. Her humble and sweet nature allows the audience to look forward to her delightful bucktooth smile.

Another notable performance comes from Max, the Grinch’s dog and some-what noble sidekick, who the little kids find especially entertaining.

Other characters like Saturday Night Live actress Molly Shannon, Christine Baranski, and Jeffrey Tambor take part in this festive treat but are overshadowed by the strong performances from both Carrey and Momsen leaving their characters without much substance.

Overall, the movie leaves a heart-warming impression that could get almost anyone into the holiday spirit. The contagious laughter or even the holiday message that this holiday movie provides may pleasantly surprise those who have anything but skepticism towards this movie.