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How Redemption and Faith Are The ‘Core Message’ of THE GRINCH
By Movieguide® Staff
While there are many adaptations of Dr. Seuss’ iconic holiday tale, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, 2018’s THE GRINCH, directed by Yarrow Chaney and Scott Mosier, shines bright with its focus on redemption.
“We were really trying to get to what Dr. Seuss had intended… which is this wonderful story about this rotten guy who’s not beyond redemption,” Chaney told Movieguide®’s Dr. Ted Baehr after winning the Movieguide® Award for Best Movie for Families.
“That was the core of the film, that was the core of the message. It’s a message that means so much to me, you know, and so I think trying to find that and keep that and protect that in this film was a very important thing,” he added.
Other adaptations of Dr. Seuss’ book include HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (2000) and the original animated version from 1966 with the same name.
Unlike its predecessors, THE GRINCH does not shy away from biblical themes of faith and redemption. Moreover, THE GRINCH has no shortage of humor.
“As Christians we are so joyful with our faith, and especially around Christmas time,” Chaney said. “[It was important] to have the Grinch’s point of view of, ‘these guys are a little bit overbearing,’ and to make that humorous, but also sincere and showing where he starts out knowing where he’s going.”
A portion of Movieguide®’s review of THE GRINCH reads:
THE GRINCH (2018) is a great movie about the true meaning of Christmas triumphing over alienation and materialism. The movie opens with the people of Whoville full of joy anticipating Christmas, their favorite holiday. After watching from his mountain fortress and buying food in Whoville, the Grinch decides to steal Christmas. He will dress up as Santa Claus, steal a sleigh from his neighbor’s house, and recruit a fat, lovable reindeer named Fred. With help from his dog, Max, the Grinch will visit every home in Whoville to steal the Christmas tree, ornaments and presents.
THE GRINCH is a precious, delightful, superbly made movie. The colorful animation shows incredible imagination. The humor is delightful. The love is heartwarming. It’s well-designed, well-written and well-organized. The movie’s message is that Christmas can triumph over the meanest, most alienated heart. It features loving parents and children, a joyous community of inspired Whos, and a terrific character arc for the Grinch. Plus, it has great Christmas carols focusing on Jesus Christ and His redemptive love. MOVIEGUIDE® fell in love with THE GRINCH (2018). We think you will too.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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