Perhaps 20 minutes too long and subject to torpor.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:125
Fresh:67
Rotten:58
Average Rating:5.6/10
Consensus: Jim Carrey shines as the Grinch. Unfortunately, it's not enough to save this movie. You'd be better off watching the TV cartoon.
Runtime: 1 hr 45 mins
Genre: Childrens
Synopsis: Director Ron Howard casts comedian Jim Carrey in the title role in this live-action adaptation of the famous Christmas tale by Dr. Seuss, giving this rendition of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS a... Director Ron Howard casts comedian Jim Carrey in the title role in this live-action adaptation of the famous Christmas tale by Dr. Seuss, giving this rendition of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS a delightfully manic spin. Carrey is virtually unrecognizable in his elaborate green makeup, but his anarchic comic touch is unmistakable. He manages to fully embody the grumpy title character, while still supplying his own comedic touches, and it is his performance that makes the film a treat for adults and children alike. The candy-colored set design for the town of Whoville and the jubilant score contribute to the overall feeling of innocuous fantasy that the Grinch disrupts with his dastardly deeds. The familiar story of the Grinch stealing every present in town on Christmas Eve has been expanded to incorporate flashbacks to the Grinch's childhood, which serve to explain his hostility toward the Whos. As Cindy Lou-Who, a little girl so sweet she sees goodness even in the Grinch, young Taylor Momsen strikes just the right note of adorable ingenuousness. Howard gets the performance the film needs from her, as her character makes the Grinch's eventual change of heart both believable and touching. [More]
Starring: Jim Carrey, Molly Shannon, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski
Starring: Jim Carrey, Molly Shannon, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Verne Troyer, Mindy Sterling, Bill Irwin, Clint Howard, Taylor Momsen
Director: Ron Howard
Director: Ron Howard
Screenwriter: Jeffrey Price, Peter S. Seaman
Producer: Brian Grazer
Composer: James Horner
Studio: Universal Pictures
Reviews for How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Less entertaining, less enlightening and less educational than either the book or the video.
This very funny, visually stunning film is a delight from start to finish.
For tales that require some edge, it is safe to deduce that Ron Howard is no match for the great Dr. Seuss.
The movie feels like it is perpetually in conflict, torn between its desire to be both a light-hearted fable and a dark black comedy.
...severely (and unwittingly) alters the very source material beyond a point of explanation.
With wonderful costumes and sets made of pure fantasy, The Grinch should leave most viewers feeling warm and fuzzy.
Reaffirms Jim Carrey's ability as a versatile actor, but is ultimately yet another reason why classics shouldn't be redone.
It's Christmas, for Grinch's sake; better to overdo it than be sacrilegious and not.
Shows respect for the words and images of the book, and the wonderful 1966 animated classic.
So that is how a Grinch and a girl steal this movie -- through heart and emotion. And aren't we glad they did.
Michael Corenblith's busy production design provides plenty to look at.
A holiday treat on par with unwrapping a pretty box full of underwear and socks.
It's not Christmas that's being stolen here. It's the spirit of Dr. Seuss.
It is impossible to watch Grinch and not think wistfully of that magical moment in the TV special.
Latest News for How the Grinch Stole Christmas
August 01, 2007:
Trailer Bulletin: Horton Hears a Who
The last few times somebody tried to turn Dr. Seuss into a movie, the results were ... How the Grinch Stole Christmas and (dear lord) The Cat in the Hat. And then somebody got... More...
February 05, 2007:
Jim Carrey Talks About Voicing Dr. Seuss' "Horton"
Jim Carrey did such a bang up job as the live-action "Grinch" that he's landed himself another Dr. Seuss gig. The "Horton Hears a Who" film will be animated... More...
September 13, 2006:
Funny Men Carrey, Carell Re-Team for "Who"
Jim Carrey is teaming up with Dr. Seuss once more, and this time, Steve Carell is tagging, The reason? Probably because they had so much fun in "Bruce Almighty."... More...
December 21, 2005:
Critical Consensus: "Dick & Jane" Not Much Fun; "Cheaper" Is Bankrupt
This week's wide releases include a remake ("Fun With Dick and Jane") and a sequel to a remake ("Cheaper By the Dozen 2"). Will critics be laughing at these... More...
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