Illumination's The Grinch is a familiar tale that feels brand new (SPOILERS AHEAD)

A tale seemingly as old as time, The Grinch is as synonymous with Christmas as Egg Nog. The story of a grumpy old "what" who steals Christmas from Whoville, the Grinch and faithful sidekick Max has been told in many way from the original story to the lovable cartoon classic to the onion-smelling Jim Carrey incarnation. Finding a new way to tell the old tale is as difficult as getting the perfect gift for a new significant other, but that is exactly what the minds behind the Minions, Illumination, tried to do.

And, I would say they certainly succeeded.

2018's rendition of The Grinch maintains many of the old favorite parts of the story. There is the crazy cave-home in Mount Crumpit, the always-jubilant Whos, the ever-eager Max, and the crazy-haired yet adorable Cindy Lou. In addition, the main premise remains of The Grinch, with his 3x-too-small heart and ill-fitting shoes, stealing all the gifts and decorations of Whoville using his endless IQ and gadgetry before having a decades-too-late epiphany that turns him in to a lovable, cuddly fur-being.

But, that is about the end of the similarities to the past.

As in the live-action version, the Grinch has a very tragic past. As opposed to being adopted and being bullied throughout school, this Grinch was never wanted. An orphan that no one adopted, the Grinch begins to hate Christmas for being abandoned and never being loved. Rather than an angry curmudgeon, this Grinch is a sad figure that never feels love, and it works well for the story.

His faithful compadre Max is as lovable as ever while maintaining his steadfast love and appreciation for his grumpy owner. Thanks to animation, this version even gets a chance to have his own personality which is fully portrayed through his hurt in the Grinch's scolding and his jealously of Fred (more on him later). The part that works best for this Max is that the relationship with the Grinch is not one based on complete indifference or abuse; their relationship is one of typical disagreement. Rather than show coldness and disinterest up until the end, the Grinch shows both remorse and care for Max long before his late transformation. His small heart may have loathed the Whos, but it was certainly large enough to love Max from the start.

The story plays out much as can be expected with the Grinch's breaking point coming when the Whos decide to outdo their own Christmas rather than them personally attacking the Grinch (as in Carrey's). In fact, the Whos are as innocent and fun as they were meant to be including a new Who that believes that he is best friends with the Grinch. Rather than a mystical being that no one has ever seen, this Grinch is simply a scrooge-like figure that is very much a member of town, just not one you would spend a lot of time with. As for Cindy Lou, well, she is more than just a little tyke looking for water. She is the oldest of three to a single mother that she just wants to see happy. Her misadventures in trying to make it happen lead to the Grinch's ultimate transformation, and the inclusion of her gang of friends make her feel like more of a typical kid as opposed to Jim Carrey's version when she appeared to be the only young child in Whoville.

Is the movie perfect? Of course not. The Grinch's transformation seems very forced and quick based on his own misunderstanding rather than a key event; it seems like he could have had this moment long before turning 53. Additionally, and maybe it's just me, but Benedict Cumberbatch's voice just did not work for the role. I always envision the Grinch with a gruffy, growl, and his clear, sing-song voice seemed off. I love Cumberbatch as an actor (his Sherlock is perfect casting to a T), but it is persona and expression that make him so excellent so his voice performance leaves a little to be desired. Finally, the movie certainly struggled with pacing as at times, it felt like it was dragging before coming to a climax that was short; it ultimately just made the ending seem like it was in the middle with no real feel of resolution.

Issues aside, The Grinch is certain to be a fan and family favorite this holiday season, and there is good reason for that. The story and animation are fun, festive, and exceptionally cute. The Grinch's new addition, hefty reindeer Fred, is as clever of a new character as can be by being both a point of comedy and a plot twister. Despite being a rehashed fable, the story feels new and modern thanks to the changing family dynamics, backstory, motivation, and seemingly endless new rhymes which made it feel as if the whole story had been re-written. If you are looking for a family friendly adventure this Christmas, I would highly recommend The Grinch; it is certainly well worth the time.