Every holiday season, the "mean one, Mr.Grinch," gets ready to steal Christmas. Actor Jim Carrey made one of the most famous live-action versions of the cartoon character in 2000. His arched brows and devilish smile surely gives children fright, even the citizens of Whoville.
The beloved Christmas character got a new look in 2018 in yet another animated movie. The character was voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. This time the story didn't exactly fit the same plot elements from the beloved 2000s movie. Some even felt the movie lacked the necessary charm that made the character so memorable. While the animated movie strayed a bit too far, there're still certain elements to appreciate.
Same: His Sidekick Max
Thankfully, the 2018 movie kept the Grinch's trusty sidekick. The beloved dog companion named Max, who is undeniably devoted to his owner. Both versions of the furry animal are somewhat on the same level. The live-action version has a unique understanding of the Grinch and is more than willing to go along with his schemes.
He even tries to pull the makeshift sled. One small difference is that the animated version is more independent. He even makes the Grinch's coffee in the morning. Regardless, Max is a main supporting character that needed to be included.
Different: Cindy's Single Mom
Besides the Grinch's storyline, there's Cindy Lou. In the live-action, she was played by Gossip Girl actor Taylor Momsen when she was a child. Cindy-Lou becomes the Grinch's saving grace in a way and the movie show's a lot of her personal family life. She has two loving and married parents. Also two older brothers.
But the animated movie change certain details. Cindy's mom is presumably single. Audiences aren't exactly clear how but she's likely a widow. There's no mention of a father figure but Cindy's mother does have two infant twin boys. Her mom also doesn't have a Christmas decorating rivalry with Martha May Whovier (Christine Baranski).
Same: Whoville's Christmas Obsession
The Grinch movies really wouldn't be the same without the dramatic display of Whoville's Christmas obsession. Seeing as the town takes place inside a snowflake, it's only natural that the town takes the holiday seriously. In both movies, this obsession over the festivities was kept the same.
There's even the gigantic tree that gets commemorated by the citizens and decorated. The movies detail the hustle and bustle of the holiday season but sadly there's one discrepancy. There's no giant dinner feast with all the Whoville citizens. In the animated movie, Cindy invites the Grinch to her family home to have dinner instead. Also, there's no Cheermesiter.
Different: Cindy Lou's Mission Isn't The Same
In the 2000s movie, Cindy Lou is a vital character in getting the Grinch's heart to grow two sizes bigger. After meeting him at the post office, she goes on her own journey to bring him joy. Much to the chagrin of the mayor, she nominates him as Cheermeister. She tries to get him involved in the yearly festivities.
The animated movie's Cindy Lou has a different agenda. She goes to the post hoping to send a letter to Santa asking to help alleviate her mother's stress. Here she meets the Grinch who tells her if it's so important, she should tell Santa face-to-face. A good chunk of the movie is Cindy gathering up her friend and the courage to venture to the North Pole or capture him.
Same: Grinch's Bitterness Towards Christmas & Everyone
Whose the Grinch without his bitterness? The main characteristic of the Grinch is his hatred for Christmas and all related festivities. This mostly has to do with is past, but that's a topic to be discussed in detail. He "loathes!" all things Christmas and tries everything possible to drown out the music from town.
This character concept stays the same in the animated movie. But the level of bitterness is different. The live-action is far more bitter and rotten. He's also grosser as he happily munches on garbage. The animated version is a bit softer but still has his mean ways like purposely putting a jar out of reach.
Different: The Grinch's Past
Fans of the live-action learn the real reason why the Grinch hates Christmas. When he was a child, he wasn't wanted and landed in Whoville. He was adopted by two elderly sisters. While he was clearly different, his rage stemmed from his time in school. He had a crush on Martha and was mocked by her suitor for having a beard. After trying to shave he gets ridiculed and declared his hatred for Christmas.
In the animated version, this is a bit different. The Grinch is an orphan but it's assumed he never gets adopted. His hatred for Christmas comes from having to spend the holiday alone in the orphanage with no one to care for him. This flashback had audiences tearing for the poor Grinch.
Same: The Grinch Tries To Steal Christmas
A huge story arc in both movies is the Grinch's epiphany on how to get back at Whoville and his hatred for Christmas. He decides to steal it. Both movie scenes are almost parallel. Instead, of making his own sleigh, the animated version steals one from his neighbor.
Both Grinches wear their own Santa suits and sneak into the night to steal the decorations and presents from everyone in Whoville. Even after what he did, the people of Whoville still celebrate the holiday and being together. Causing the Grinch's heart to grow. Then there's him trying to save Christmas and return the gifts.
Different: No Small Love Story
A fun subplot to the 2000s holiday movie was the relationship between the Grinch and Martha May. In the flashbacks, the Grinch had a major crush on her when they were in school. There are even hints of Martha may feeling the same way. But due to the shaving disaster, the Grinch goes off the grid.
Fast forward and in certain scenes, it's still clear that Martha has feelings for the Grinch. By the end, she returns the Mayor's engagement ring and declares her love for him. This fun and sweet subplot never occur in the animated version.
Same: The Overall Holiday Message
Seeing as both are Christmas movies it'd be ill-advised to change its message to audiences. By then of both movies, teaches audiences a valuable lesson about the holiday season. In the live-action version, Cindy tries to make people realize that Christmas isn't about gifts or decorations.
It's about being together and rejoicing in each other's company. In the animated version, Cindy's mother explains this to her and the Grinch realizes it for himself when he can hear them singing. Despite having stolen all their gifts and decorations.
Different: The Grinch Isn't As Feared In The Animated Version
The Grinch is sort of an urban legend amongst Whoville's citizens. He's someone who doesn't like to be messed with. At the beginning of the movie, a group of teens make the brave journey up the mountain to see him but only get scared away by him and Max. The Grinch also goes incognito to town for supplies and has escape routes.
When he makes himself known, the citizens are in disarray and gasp in shock. But in the animated movie isn't the same. The Grinch leisurely strolls to town to get groceries and no one shies away. He's not the big bad scary Grinch. There's no need to mention how drastically different both versions look in appearance.