Movie Title: The Grinch
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
Director: Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier
Writer: Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow; based on the book "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Cameron Seely, Rashida Jones, Pharrell Williams, Tristan O'Hare, Kenan Thompson, Sam Lavagnino, Ramone Hamilton, Angela Lansbury, Scarlett Estevez
Review: Look out Whoville! A grumpy Grinch (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) is plotting to ruin Christmas.
For someone that didn't grow up with the Dr. Seuss book, the animated special, or the Jim Carrey live-action version of this classic Christmas tale, I have to say - The Grinch was fun, festive, and had its heart in the right place.
I was delighted with the look of Whoville, its inhabitants, and its wintery atmosphere. The Grinch, his faithful sidekick Max and their odd dwelling was creative and perfectly showed us more about the Grinch than in other versions of the story...so I've been told by my wife and kids.
In this adaptation we learn more about the Grinch and what's the deal with his grumpy demeanor, and we get a sub-plot about Cindy-Lou Who and her family, which is sweet, but it isn't as interesting as the Grinch and his feverish hatred for all this Christmas. Kids and adults will got quite a bit of enjoyment out of this one thanks to its simple story and likeable characters.
It's fun family viewing with something for everyone. I highly recommend this classic story that is entertaining, funny, and has a great message about what Christmas is really all about!
Fun Fact: There's a scene where Donna Who is late for her bus and chases after it yelling the bus driver's name "Sam!", who then stops and let's her on. This is a reference to the film Speed (1994), where Sandra Bullock's character Annie does the same thing.