Barnes & Noble

Prepare the Roast Beast and get set to feast your eyes on director Ron Howard's spectacular live-action film of the cherished Dr. Seuss story about a holiday-hating Grinch who tries to put the kibosh on Christmas. Even if the production misses the simple charm of Dr. Seuss' classic 1957 book or Chuck Jones's beloved 1966 animated adaptation, it is a dizzying wonder of over-the-top performances and creative set design. Howard's Whoville makes Blade Runner's vision of a future Los Angeles look like Mayberry, RFD. Jim Carrey, with an invaluable assist from Oscar-winning makeup maestro Rick Baker, brings the Grinch to roaring, ranting life in a bravura performance. A stellar ensemble cast lends able comic support: Christine Baranski is perfect as the Grinch's childhood sweetheart; Jeffrey Tambor (Larry Sanders) scores, too, as the mean green one's lifelong nemesis. Bill Irwin and Molly Shannon are the holiday-harried parents of the adorable Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen), who melts the Grinch's cold, cold heart, and Anthony Hopkins lends a touch of class as the film's narrator. Kids will delight in the antics of Max, the Grinch's dog and reluctant partner-in-crime. The Grinch is a perfect holiday gift, as the DVD offers a sleigh-load of extras, including deleted scenes, a gag outtake reel, segments on the film's production and character design, a Faith Hill music video, and "Max's Playhouse," which contains sing-along, read-along, and play-along activities for children. Donald Liebenson

All Movie Guide

He's mean, he's green, and he doesn't like the Yuletide season one bit -- Jim Carrey stars in this live-action adaptation of the classic children's story by Dr. Seuss (aka Theodore Geisel). High atop Mt. Crumpet, the Grinch (Carrey) observes the residents of Whoville joyously preparing to celebrate Christmas. The Grinch was born in Whoville years ago, but was shunned due to his scary appearance, and his unrequited love for Martha May Whovier has turned him bitter; the good cheer of the Whos has been a thorn in his side ever since. Finally the Grinch decides he's had enough of all this happiness, and with the wary aid of his dog Max, the Grinch conspires to steal Christmas from Whoville, making off with their presents, holiday decorations, Christmas trees, and everything else used to enjoy the holiday. Molly Shannon, Christine Baranski, Jeffrey Tambor, and Clint Howard play several of the citizens of Whoville, while Anthony Hopkins narrates (taking over from the late Boris Karloff, who memorably read Dr. Seuss' story in Chuck Jones' 1966 animated adaptation of the story). Ron Howard directs. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 025192142420
• Source: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Pre-1954 Standard (1.33.1), Theatre Wide-Screen (1.85.1)
• Presentation: Pan & Scan, Wide Screen
• Sound: DTS 5.1-Channel Surround Sound, Dolby Surround, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français
• Subtitles: Español
• Time: 1:45:00
• Sales Rank: 325

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