First things first: I know many hold How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey as the definitive version of the Dr. Seuss classic—and I get it. That said, I like this one better. When Carrey’s Grinch came out, I was 15, and at the time, Jim felt a little overexposed. Don’t get me wrong, I love him, but as the saying goes, “moderation in all things.” While I enjoy Carrey’s version, to borrow from Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother, “newer is always better!”—and in this case, it really is.
I find great value in retelling classic stories. Nuanced differences can give us something we didn’t know we needed. Take Patrick Stewart as Professor X—irreplaceable, right? Then James McAvoy came along and offered a fresh, equally brilliant take. That’s how I feel about Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch. His voice work is stand out, bringing a new depth and charm to this iconic character. He absolutely knocked it out of the park.
And then there’s Bricklebaum, voiced by Kenan Thompson. What a hilarious addition! His over-the-top antics and comedic timing are a delightful surprise that add so much fun to the story. This is exactly why reimagining old tales is worthwhile—it creates space for fresh, fantastic elements like this.
Visually, this film is stunning. The bright, vibrant animation is truly a feast for the eyes, capturing the whimsy and magic of Dr. Seuss’s world in a way that feels timeless. If you can let go of the expectation that this film is trying to replicate Carrey’s Grinch, you’ll find a fresh, high-quality entry into the Seuss-verse that stands on its own.
