You may remember the classic The Grinch movie that you probably watched around Christmas time every year. On Nov. 9 there was a new and updated version that was released in theaters all over the world.  This new classic remake was done by Illumination Studios in Santa Monica, CA. Illumination Studios decided to make a new version because of all the new technology that enabled them to create more lifelike, 3-D looking characters.

In 2013, Illumination Studios announced the remaking of the new “Grinch”which they said would be released on Nov. 10, 2017, but then got pushed back to Nov 9, 2018. Even though the original Grinch was released back in 1996, there have been other smaller releases of the Grinch since then, like the live-action comedy in 2000 and in 2006 and the musical version of the original movie. But there has not been a remake of the original, so Illumination Studios decided it was due.

Because the original Grinch was such a classic, everyone had their suspicions about whether the movie could be as good as the original. The movie lives up to all standards. Many people thought the animations were way better than expected.

While Sophomore Joey Boyd was reflecting on her impression of the new film, she enthusiastically said, “I would go see it in theaters again, because they take a different view on the story, with different voice actors and just are more creative with the story.”

In the original Grinch, there were a lot of emotions, but it could have been improved to make it easier to relate to the characters and their feelings. In the remake, they made it far easier to relate to the characters and understand how they felt.

Junior Sofia Olson agrees, “The emotion could be improved from the original so we can feel more connection to the characters.”

In the new Grinch, they decided to cast Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice for the Grinch, which is way different than his roles as Sherlock Holmes.

“I think Benedict Cumberbatch does a nice job of doing different voices and not sounding like himself and being able to capture the voice and personality of the Grinch,” Boyd said.

In the original Grinch the message was to spread kindness and love, and they captured it really well. In the latest edition, Illumination had the same message as the original movie, but they captured it in different, unexpected ways.  The basic premise remains true to the original and the book.  One main adaptation, however, is an addition to the plot. The new film includes a flashback to Grinch’s childhood and his impetus for despising Christmas.

Junior Omar Omar enjoyed the twist, claiming, “They showed it the best they could without making the whole movie about kindness.”

One of the points of making the new Grinch was so that it will stay relevant through all the generations.  This motive is easily apparent, and movie-goers seem appreciative of the modernization of this classic holiday tale.

Boyd pondered the reason for making a new film, “To get more supporters who are in the younger generations and maybe even want to go back and watch the original movie.”

Similarly, Olson said that the directors were obviously trying “to keep people entertained,” and added, “then it will stay relevant in all the generations.”

With the making of The Grinch, there have been some very noticeable and well-received changes that help bring the characters – even fictitious animations – to life.  The movie has been a great success, making $61 million in the box office on opening weekend. Additionally, the positive reviews far outpace the negative reviews.

“It was a great movie. I am glad it was remade finally,” Boyd said.