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BETTER
THAN THE CARTOON
Subject: How_The_Grinch_Stole_Christmas
Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2001
From: Keith
The
cartoon "Grinch". is a classic, But it has gaps in the story, that
anyone who has seen it, dozens of times, like i have, will find
annoying.
Praise,
to Ron Howard for plugging those gaps. A much better christmas story,
than A Christmas (if i see it, one more time, i will puke) Carol.
which, The Grinch, is clearly inspired by.
Both,
versions are very good. I favor the cartoon though.!
Keith w. Kunz
Buena Park,CA
keithwk@webtv.net
sent with joy and love! ?
http://community.webtv.net/KeithWK/PSALM45
http://community.webtv.net/KeithWK/Thepottersclay
http://community.webtv.net/KevinKunz/JESUSTHEWAY
JIM
CARREY IS GRINCHELICIOUS
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2001
From: "Mike Furches"
I
have always been a fan of Dr.Seuss. He has a way of drawing children
into adult truths and adults into a child's simplicity. The Grinch
has long been one of my favorites along with The Butter Battle Book
among others by Dr. Seuss. I was somewhat concerned when I heard
Jim Carrey had obtained the title role. He doesn't have the reputation
of doing the best family oriented movies, he surprised me in this
role.
The production, special effects, acting and make up where tremendous.
The make-up work of Academy Award winner Rick Baker is legendary
for a reason and this film is no exception. While the film is a
quality film I certainly have some questions about the meaning of
Christmas portrayed. It is certainly crude to preach about the dangers
of materialism then market toys for sale to children. While this
says something about the attitude of the Hollywood producers it
also says something about us as a society that even after seeing
an excellent message on materialism that we would be willing to
go buy products marketed through that same medium.
This
is one that we as Christians need to make sure we give clarity to
those who view the movie and are not Christians, maybe with a question
like, "Hey David, in The Grinch they talked about what the real
meaning of Christmas is, like love, family and all of that. What
do you think the real meaning of Christmas is?" It is easy to see
that from a question like this we can then maybe get the response
after they have shared their beliefs, "What about you Mike, what
do you think?" Then the door is wide open to share about a little
baby, born in a manger, God incarnate, His life, death and resurrection
etc.... At least The Grinch starts us on the right track to approach
a subject like this with our friends.
This
is a good film that can be enjoyed by even those who don't like
Jim Carrey. On a scale of 1 - 10, I'd give it a strong 7
Mike
Furches mike@furches.org
GRINCH
REVIEW
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000 15:53:15 -0500
From: Kevin
Great review, except for one fact: Jesus wasn't homeless; neither
were Mary or Joseph. Joseph and Mary both had a home, and Joseph
was gainfully employed. Their presence in Bethlehem was the result
of an oppressive government, not something to be remedied by it.
Kevin, NC
Response:
You are right to a point. But Jesus was born in a stable "because
there was no place for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7). He later
became a homeless refuge in Egypt (Mat 2:13). As an adult Jesus
was once again homeless after an upset with his family (Mark 3:21).
Jesus stated, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have
nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head" (Luke 9:58).
And more: Jesus was buried in a donated tomb (Luke 23:50-53). Jesus
was indeed homeless a various times.
JIM
CARREY IS GREAT.
NOTE ON SUBSTITUTING.
Subject: Grinch
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2000
From: Melissa
Jim
Carrey is great and the movie is worth seeing because of him. But
I don't find the message of the movie (or even the original book
and cartoon) very inspiring. The proliferation of holiday movies
and shows that purport to reveal the "real" meaning of Christmas
is overwhelming. Perhaps we need a movie on the real meaning of
"real." The real meaning of Christmas is the Incarnation. Substituting
sentimentalism for crass commercialism may bring a tear to your
eye but it ends up obscuring what Christmas is "really" about. The
real truth is you can't have Christmas without a Christ.
Melissa, Texas
THE
GRINCH IS GREAT!
Date:
Sun, 10 Dec 2000
From: Cheri
David,
I have not cared for many of Jim Carrey's past movies. When I read
a review that decried the use of "potty humor" in the movie, I thought
'well, that's typical - they've probably ruined the whole story'.
I decided to take the chance to see this movie, and I am so glad
that I did! The stage was set early when Cindy-Lou, carrying a stack
of packages, asked her dad if it all was not a bit too much. His
reply was that this (gift-giving) is what Christmas is all about.
The movie, through Cindy-Lou, then sets out on a search to see if
that is indeed the truth. Great lessons for kids here - for all
of us. Issues like showing kindness and acceptance to others, reaching
out to the rejected, and indeed seeking meaning in Christmas that
extends beyond choosing a great gift. The best part was seeing the
'redemption' of the Grinch through a 'child' who saw something worth
knowing in him and purposefully set out to have a relationship with
him. Haven't we all been there? Seeing the Grinch 'come alive' on
the inside actually made me teary. They may not have intended to
say it, but the message I got was that it is the real Spirit of
Christmas that makes you come alive within - and changes your life!
Thanks
for your great site - really enjoy your reviews. You've caused me
to look at the movies in a totally different way. Now I am looking
for Jesus all the time!
Cheri, Tennessee
Response:
thank you for your kind words. -David
ENTERTAINING
BUT HYPOCRITICAL
Subject: My thoughts on The Grinch
Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2000
From: "jim miranda"
I
took my family to see the film. It was entertaining, but as your
son viewed very hypocritical. The two-faced mayor, garbage etc.
There were a few other things that seems to be Hollywoods Style.
1. When the newborns were floating down on their umbrellas and a
man went to his door, he shouts and tell his wife that their baby
has arrived and it strangely looks just like her boss. 2. Martha
May Whoo dressed in her skimpy Santa suit. (Hollywood reaching out
to the married and unmarried fathers who have brought their children
to see their remake of a great cartooned story). 3. The mayor kissing
the dog's(max) behind, they could't be satisfied with the old standard
joke of letting the dog like the face of the sleeping person's face,
but no, they had do go into something disgusting. 4. Lastly, the
ending with the Grich whoo has changed his heart to growing 3 sizes
larger, still had a sence of greediness when carving the roast beast.
Nothing like the classics.
Thanks, Rev. JIM MIRANDA
THE
AGE OLD PROBLEM OF ACCEPTANCE
Subject: Comments
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2000
From: C Odom
Please
post this. I took my teenage daughter and a friend to see the "Grinch"
this weekend, expecting a typical Jim Carey movie, and while he
did a wonderful job portraying the character, I was pleasantly surprised.
Ron Howard took the opportunity to use this wonderful old movie
to hopefully open the eyes of viewers to an age old problem - -
acceptance. I thought the way this was done, was masterful! Also,
he took the opportunity to remind us all that the emphasis of Christmas
should not be about the 'physical' giving, but the giving of ourselves.
I was also pleasantly surprised when the credits were rolling, that
the entire audience was clapping. It has been a long time since
I have heard that happen. I thought it was wonderful and will probably
buy it when it comes out on video. My hat's off to Hollywood for
remembering what it is to make a 'decent' movie for all to see.
Thanks, C Odom , Mississippi
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HOW
THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
"The
Grinch"