I know… I’m incredibly random.
Can I just say there are hardly any movies around worth watching these days? Whether for adults or children, the secular movie industry fills nearly every film with straight up nastiness or a political agenda that I don’t need further shoved down my throat. Or you have the Christian movie scene that’s often either too cheesy and predictable… or filled with uncomfortable and unhelpful “Christianeze” rhetoric or is simply trying waaaaaaay too hard to be relevant. (But that’s a whole different blog right there. Yeah… I should definitely do that soon.)
I say all this to say, when I find a movie that I actually ENJOY in it’s entirety, I must share… cause it’s rare.
Just the other day, a friend asked me if I’d seen The Grinch film that came out back in 2018.
Nope, I had no idea any Grinch movie existed beyond the classic 30 minute cartoon and the awful Jim Carrey version from 20 years ago. Somehow I missed this gem and I have no idea how. So, just in case you are as behind on the times as I am, I wanted to inform/remind you that this movie is in existence and tell you why I LOVED it and might watch it every Christmas for the rest of my life. We could all use a little extra joy these days, am I right? This film was my latest dose.
Here are a few reasons to watch or rewatch Dr. Suess’ The Grinch.
1. Two Words: Benedict Cumberbatch
Now, can I just take a moment to say that if Benedict Cumberbatch is in a movie… barring any content that’s terribly inappropriate, I’ll be watching it. That man is, hands down, one of the best actors of his time. He can play anyone or anything and make it completely believable. In a world where we have numerous over payed, over hyped “actors” who possess zero talent…ole Benny stands far and above so many. And, I’m sorry, but his name is just beautiful. Does a name get any more British than Benedict Cumberbatch??? Knowing he voiced the Grinch was the first and foremost reason I wanted to see this. (Even if he does fake an American accent… it’s still brilliant.)
Oh and it needs to be said that Angela Lansbury voices a brief part of the tale and I’m a huge fan of hers as well. I was raised on Murder She Wrote and I’ve adored her ever since.
2. They Stuck To The Classic Storyline
I mean, there were a few small tweaks to make the movie a full length feature, but they were harmless additions. The writers didn’t go adding a bunch of nonsense or over complicate things. So many lines from the book were present in the film and the ones that were added didn’t feel like an insult to the heart of the original story. There is nothing wrong with a simple, heartwarming tale to spread Christmas cheer. I’m so glad they didn’t go and ruin something good like so many other movies these days.
3. No Obvious Political Agenda
I’m soooooooo tired of my kids asking to watch what looks like a super fun and innocent, animated film, only to be told no because I checked Plugged-In Online to find out it’s packed out with a bunch of nonsense that they have no business learning about. The film industry isn’t content to push political agendas and wicked ideals in the movies for adults… oh no, the kids must be brainwashed early. (Ok, I’ll stop ranting.) Anywho, I was sort of waiting for something to pop up in this film, seeing as it was only made a few years ago… but to my pleasant surprise, there was nothing. I had nothing untoward, confusing, or down right wrong to explain away for my kids at the end of this film. There was nothing to make me squirm, roll my eyes, or growl. (Yes, I’ve been known to do that.) It was a fun movie for the sake of entertainment alone and I LOVED IT!
And would you believe the “Who Carolers” even sing legit Christmas carols that mention the name of Christ? I was waiting for them to somehow tweak it to avoid something so not PC, but they didn’t. It made me happy.
4. I Laughed A Lot
We all did. This film was the perfect balance of being funny at a child’s level but pure enjoyment for adults too… not because of some innuendo that went over the kid’s heads… it was just good ole random, well played, slap stick hilarity. In a world that’s gone mad, it’s not often that I want to sit and watch something heavy these days. Life itself is heavy. I don’t watch movies to be reminded, I watch movies to forget. This adorable film allowed me to do just that. To be lost in a good story, laugh a ton, and walk away better for it.
5. The Lessons It Taught
The general idea of the whole film is that true joy of Christmas cannot be bought or sold or stolen away, simple kindness can make a huge impact on a person, and nothing is beyond forgiveness or redemption. Simple as that. Nothing more and nothing less. How often do you see that these days?
So there it is
Short, sweet and to the point. Many of you have probably already seen The Grinch, but thank you for letting me remind you that you need to watch it again. And if you haven’t seen it…
Go watch it.
Right now.
You’ll be glad you did.
My Family Freedom 