Now I would like to review a very special TV Christmas cartoon classic from 1966, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” For those of you who read the Dr. Seuss book before watching this movie already know the synopsis. I am not ashamed to admit that I loved reading Dr. Seuss books when I was a kid, and I still am a fan of him. It’s sad that he is gone, but he left behind a legacy that will forever be passed down upon from generation to generation. His books are more than just books, if you know what I mean.
This special tells the story of the Grinch who hates the Whos down in Whoville because they love Christmas and the Grinch hates it. Then the Grinch comes up with the idea to steal Christmas from the Whos by taking all of their gifts. By the end, he realizes that Christmas is more than just gifts.
What can be said about this film that hasn’t already been said? It has that warm feeling you will get at the end, which a lot of beloved Christmas specials do, especially the ones that you can sit around with the family to watch with. The Grinch is voiced by the man who made the Frankenstein monster his iconic role, Boris Karloff. Let me tell you, for a man who played a novel monster, there couldn’t be anyone better. This role has evil written all over it. What’s really creepy is when you see the Grinch turn his head 360 degrees like how Winnie the Pooh did in the very first Pooh movie, but this one is scary because it’s an evil person. On top of that, the Grinch has his dog, Max, with him the entire time. You have to love the parts where Max is being cute and funny, like when he isn’t controlling the sleigh and is behind it. When the Grinch turns around and sees Max behind him and Max waves to the Grinch, I would be surprised if that doesn’t make you laugh. June Foray voiced Cindy Lou Who and even though she only had one line in the entire special, she was just wonderful.
Seeing this special, you would notice that the Whos are loveable people that you would want to call every single year for your Christmas dinner. When they gather at the center of their town in a circle holding hands singing the “Welcome Christmas” carol, it’s because Christmas is all about your community and sharing. It’s about spending time with the family, similar to Thanksgiving, and if the Grinch would open himself up to love the Whos, he can be a part of their town as well, if he wanted to.
Best thing about this special: the animation. This brings the book to life on screen, and that is the cherry on top. It’s still perfect for a special made in 1966, and the song, “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” sang by Thurl Ravenscroft, is a classic song to hear around Christmas time. This special gets a solid 10, as it deserves.
Just stay tuned tomorrow because we are not even close to finishing my 25 days of Christmas reviews.
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