STORYLINE: Inside a snowflake exists the magical land of Whoville, wherein live the Whos, an almost-mutated sort of Munchkin-like people who all love Christmas. Just outside of their beloved town lives the Grinch (Jim Carrey), a nasty creature that hates Christmas and plans to steal it from the Whos, which he equally abhors. Little Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) decides to befriend the Grinch. (IMDb)

    Multiple times in cinema, the same holiday story has been told many different ways, and many different times.  A Christmas Carol has been made into more films then I want to count.  Scrooged (1988), starring Bill Murray, is my favorite version.  Of course, there are two films of Miracle on 34th St.  The first I’m 1947, with a second in 1994.  In addotoin to the 1966, television classic of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, there have been two feature films, including the 2000 adaptation, starring Jim Carrey.

    When  How the Grinch Stole Christmas came out in 2000, I was fourteen, a freshman in high school, and in the awkward years of puberty.  I was probably a bigger pain then I want to admit, with my me against the world attitude.  I was still just as cute and adorable though, as I am now.  I will argue that point forever.  How the Grinch Stole Christmas was the big film of the holiday season.  Naturally, I was destined not to enjoy it, or myself.

    Over the course of the past twenty five years, life has changed, with its ups and its downs.  Which means, at the twevty fifth anniversary screening this past weekend, I sat down with a different perspective, on the holiday feature presentation. 

   I get the different levels of humor in the film.  The difference in me now, vs the me from twenty five years ago, is that I appreciate the different levels of humor.  Back then, I would of just of laughed  at the sarcasm, and been done, with the movie.  Ok I still laugh at those moments.  Now I enjoy the little moments sprinkled in, that, are intended to, entertain adult audiences.  This while being a film that young ones can enjoy as well. This is truly a movie designed for filmgoers of all ages. It is a true family film.  I get that now.

   Over the years I have continued my appreciation for how much craftsmanship goes into a film.  How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a movie filled with details.  Costumes, set pieces, makeup designs, and a whimsical score that all come together for a well created motion picture. 

   How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a movie I appreciate more now then I did, when it was first released in 2000.         

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!

How the Grinch Stoke Christmas (2000) continues my holiday Retro Rewind series. Previous entries are The Polar Express (2004), The Addams Family Values (1993), The Holiday (2006), Christmas in Connecticut (1945), Home Alone (1990), Elf (2003), Miracle on 34th St (1947), and Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)!