No, we are not talking about the Jim Carrey version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." I don’t care if he was funny in the role.
No, today we are talking about the 1966 TV special directed by the animation giant Chuck Jones. The movie has a special holiday feel- the kind where you could be shown any frame of the movie and know exactly what it is. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was produced during the golden age of holiday specials and has often been overshadowed by more successful specials like “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”
Yet, I would hold that the story of the Grinch is one of, if not the best Christmas special, especially if you are going to be watching one year after year.
Chances are, you know the story.
The Grinch, a weird green creature who hates Christmas for… reasons. Because of this, he decided to dress up as Santa Claus and steal every present in the town of Whoville. He then meets a little girl, and heads to the top of a mountain, only to see that Christmas doesn't happen because of toys. Heart grows, cuts the roast beast, etc.
Pretty harmless plot, right? So, what makes the movie important? The plot shouldn't work by holiday special logic, which dictates that Christmas and its existence is totally dependent on outside, material things, such as presents, snow, or Santa.
Allow me to outline the plot of most paint by numbers Christmas stories. The main character is pumped about particular aspect of Christmas, particular aspect may not happen because villain, Santa ex Machina, villain gets what’s coming to them, particular aspect happens, true meaning of Christmas was learned… somehow? Obsessive kids who think about movies way too much will most likely be weirded out by the idea that Christmas is in such constant peril. Also, if you don’t get your ideal Christmas, Christmas no longer exists and you have no reason to be happy.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” actually presents a good message.
“He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought... doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!”
As opposed to this greatly moving commentary on Christmas from “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”
“The weather closed in and, well you might not believe it, but the world almost missed Christmas.”
Look, if The Guardians taught me anything it is that Santa Claus is awesome, and Russian, but Santa exists because of Christmas. Christmas does not exist because of Santa. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” acknowledges this.
Now, I am going to make the assumption that you, dear reader, are not a 5-year-old who is easily confused by these philosophical subtleties, so most of my rant probably has not left a huge impression on you; but if you have an intelligent kid in your life, maybe put on a holiday special that can do the kid some good.
