The result is a vulnerable and sympathetic performance that may be Carrey's best to date.
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
[It] could have certainly benefited from a little more of that mischievous nature.
[Geisel] was quite satisfied with the 1966 animated TV show and didn't think it could be improved upon. He was right.
Jim Carrey is superb as this classic renews itself and glee is had by all
Only a real Scrooge could fail to enoy this tasty little holiday morsel.
Generally delightful live-action adaptation of the children's classic.
It boasts a central performance by Jim Carrey that's so physically manic and verbally clever that he's like a force of nature.
Any tale that critiques the over-the-top commercialism of our society is right on track.
Carrey enables Ron Howard's version of the classic story to come across as more of a welcome endeavor than a pointless re-tread.
This oddly heavy-spirited movie version is clearly two sizes too big.
An instant classic that will keep people streaming into multiplexes this year and for many more to come.
It's got an impressive visual scheme, a terrific supporting cast and a surprisingly funny script.
Decent, but clearly not as good, charming or entertaining as the cartoon.
Grinchy-poo, you used to be a mean one... now you're just a goof. Sigh.
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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