The Reel Deal: Holiday Live Action Adaptations
- Noah Kennedy
- Dec 23, 2024
- 4 min read
We're diving into the captivating world of book-to-screen adaptations! From the silver screen to the small screen, literature has long served as a wellspring of inspiration for filmmakers and television creators alike. Join us as we explore the magic of storytelling in both cinematic and episodic formats, delving into the nuances of adaptation and celebrating the artistry that transforms words on a page into unforgettable visual experiences. Whether you're a die-hard book lover or a cinephile searching for your next binge-worthy series, there's something for everyone in these remarkable adaptations. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's journey from the page to the screen together!
Content & Trigger Disclaimer: This post discusses books, shows and films that may contain sensitive material. Reader discretion is advised. Please use your judgment and conduct further research if you have specific concerns. |
On The Silver Screen
The spirit of the holidays is woven with iconic characters that bring us back to childhood, where a jolly old man named Santa Claus—along with his merry elves—brought gifts to children around the world. Belief in Santa, or whatever regional figure may take his place, is a cornerstone of childhood innocence and wonder. Alongside Santa are other beloved figures like Mrs. Claus, Rudolph the Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and many more. Yet, perhaps no character rivals Santa’s cultural impact quite like the Grinch.
Originally introduced in Dr. Seuss's classic tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in 1957, the Grinch is a grouchy, green recluse with a heart "two sizes too small" who plots to steal Christmas from the joyous residents of Whoville. However, the Grinch's rise to modern holiday stardom truly skyrocketed with the 2000 live-action adaptation, directed by Ron Howard and starring Jim Carrey. This adaptation reimagined Dr. Seuss’s whimsical world, giving the Grinch a backstory and bringing Whoville to life with vibrant sets, quirky costumes (who could forget Cindy Lou Who’s unique hairstyle?), and Carrey’s unforgettable, iconic performance. With humor and charm underscoring a message of kindness and community, this live-action Grinch has become a cherished holiday classic, reminding audiences of the true spirit of the season.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
2000 | PG | 1 hour 44 minutes
On the outskirts of Whoville lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans to ruin Christmas for all of he citizens of the town.
The film stars Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen in the roles of the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who, respectively. They are joined by Kelley, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin, Molly Shannon, Clint Howard, Josh Ryan Evans, Mindy Sterling, Rachel Winfree, Rance Howard, Jeremy Howard, T.J. Thyne, Lacey Kohl, Nadja Pionlla, Jim Meskimen, and Michael Dahlen.
The Grinch, an animated re-imagining of the story was released by Universal Pictures in 2018 starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of the Grinch.
Jim Carrey (left), Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss), author (center), Taylor Momsen (right)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
by Dr. Seuss
For 53 years, the Grinch has lived in a cave on the side of a mountain, looming above the Whos in Whoville. The noisy holiday preparations and infernal singing of the happy little citizens below annoy him to no end. The Grinch decides this frivolous merriment must stop. His "wonderful, awful" idea is to don a Santa outfit, strap heavy antlers on his poor, quivering dog Max, construct a makeshift sleigh, head down to Whoville, and strip the chafingly cheerful Whos of their Yuletide glee once and for all.
Looking quite out of place and very disturbing in his makeshift Santa get-up, the Grinch slithers down chimneys with empty bags and stealing the Whos' presents, their food, even the logs from their humble Who-fires. He takes the ramshackle sleigh to Mt. Crumpit to dump it and waits to hear the sobs of the Whos when they wake up and discover the trappings of Christmas have disappeared. Imagine the Whos' dismay when they discover the evil-doings of Grinch in his anti-Santa guise. But what is that sound? It's not sobbing, but singing! Children simultaneously adore and fear this triumphant, twisted Seussian testimonial to the undaunted cheerfulness of the Whos, the transcendent nature of joy, and of course, the growth potential of a heart that's two sizes too small.
Show Buzz
While holiday movies are plentiful, few stories manage to capture the holiday spirit in the form of a series—but Netflix's Dash & Lily doesn’t disappoint. Based on the novel by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, the show follows cynical Dash and holiday-loving Lily, whose lives intertwine through a series of dares and heartfelt notes exchanged across the city. Set against a snowy Manhattan backdrop (is there anywhere more magical at Christmastime?), the show captures the excitement of a New York Christmas while staying true to the quirky charm of its characters. At its core, Dash & Lily delivers a touching message: sometimes, the greatest gift of the holidays is the connections we make with others, adding a refreshing twist to the classic holiday romance.
Dash & Lily
2020 | TV-14 | 30 minutes
A whirlwind holiday romance builds as cynical Dash and optimistic Lily trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations all across New York City.
The series stars Austin Abrams and Midori Francis in the titular roles of Dash and Lily, respecrtively. They are joined by Dante Brown, Troy Iwata, James Saito, Leah Kreitz, Keana Marie, Glenn McCuen, Ianne Fields Stewart, Michael Cyril Creighton, William Hill, Diego Guevara, Agneeta Thacker, Patrick Vaill, David Rodriguez, Jodi Long, Gideon Emery, and Nick Blaemire.
Austin Abrams (left), David Levithan (center left) & Rachel Cohn (center right), authors, Midori Francis (right)
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”
So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?
All episodes of Dash & Lily are available to stream on Netflix.
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