How The Grinch Stole Christmas
During the holiday season, one Christmas special after another is rolled out on T.V. stations. Some are good, some just O.K., and some are downright lame. Towering above all is the classic Dr. Seuss tale How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
The story is deceptively simple. The Grinch, a bitter outcast and social misfit whose heart is two sizes too small, comes up with a plan to ruin Christmas for the town of Whoville. On Christmas Eve night, while everyone is asleep, he'll sneak into town and steal all the presents and Christmas decorations. In the morning, when everyone awakens to celebrate Christmas, the Grinch will get to revel in the sad reaction of the townspeople when they realize that Christmas isn't coming this year.
The plan goes off more or less without a hitch. But in the morning, when the Whos awaken, the Grinch is in for a surprise. Christmas is coming after all - without ribbons, tags, packages, boxes or bags. The Grinch's sudden realization that "maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store / maybe Christmas, perhaps / means a little bit more" leads to a transformation that's guaranteed to move the heart of the most jaded cynic.
The story, by Ted Giesel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss), is simply tremendous. It's difficult to pull off a Christmas story about redemption without stooping to cheesy sappiness, but Giesel's story is off-center enough to pull it off. The many bursts of humor contribute to the story's success as well.
Legendary animator Chuck Jones provides the perfect visual complement to Giesel's story. What the animation lacks in technical proficiency (by today's standards, at least), is more then compensated for by Jones' joyful creativity. He creates a distinct fantasy world that leaves a vivid impression on the viewer.
Boris Karloff's narration is utterly flawless. I'm no voice expert, but even I can recognize the mastery with which Karloff delivers his lines and enraptures the listener.
An unbilled Thurl Ravenscroft (known for voicing Tony the Tiger) also makes an impression with a panache-filled performance of the song "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch." With lyrics like "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch / You really are a heel / You're as cuddly as a cactus / You're as charming as an eel / Mr. Grinch / You're a bad banana with a greasy black peel," who can't help but crack a smile?
Simply put, How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a deserved holiday classic. The season isn't complete without at least one viewing of this holiday treat. "Welcome Christmas, bring your cheer / Cheer to all Whos far and near / Welcome Christmas, while we stand / Heart to heart, and hand to hand." Amen to that.
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The infamous "Who" drinking game, in which you take a sip of your beverage every time the word "Who" is uttered during the film, is guaranteed to knock you on your ass within 30 minutes.
Getting into the holiday spirit is always a great way to get the romance flowing.
Buy this film from Amazon.com
Buy this soundtrack from Amazon.com
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