'Grinch' devolves into preachy pap

He's a mean one, that Mr. Grinch. He really is a heel. He's as cuddly as a cactus and as charming as an eel, as it were.

And his new film, "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas," is no better.

Granted, the film is treading on hallowed ground. Dr. Seuss has been all but canonized, and the 1966 cartoon version is beloved by anyone who owns a television. How could this update possibly improve upon what has come before?

Cast Jim Carrey as the ornery humbugger? A brilliant move, but not enough. Recreate the entire town of Whoville, complete with extensive costuming and makeup effects? Again, a good attempt, but it still falls short. Basically, this film can boast of no improvements - it has robbed the joy and cheer from its own Christmas.