Sandbox: THE GRINCH MOVIE Review

Title: THE GRINCH

MPAA Rating: PG

Directors: Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Cameron Seely, and Angela Lansbury  

Runtime:  1 hour 26 minutes

Release date: November 9th (USA)

What It Is: A remake of the classic Dr. Seuss tale. The Grinch along with his pet reindeer and trusty dog Max plans to ruin the Christmas for the residents of Whoville.  

What We Think: I will start this review with this disclaimer: I love Christmas! I also am a huge Dr. Seuss fan (one of my favorite books is “Oh the Places You’ll Go”). So the story of The Grinch has always been a favorite and I was really excited when I heard that Illumination Studios was remaking “The Grinch”.

I was optimistically excited…and it did not disappoint. Starring the voice talents of Benedict Cumberbatch (as The Grinch), Rashida Jones (as Donna Who), Pharrell Williams (as The Narrator), Kenan Thompson (as Mr. Bricklebaum),  Cameron Seeley (as Cindy Lou Who), and Angela Lansbury (as Mayor McGerkle),  this third adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic story is a remix of the tale we all love.

It has the same basic outline of the other versions (the Whos’ love Christmas, The Grinch does not and he steals it away from them only to learn the true spirit of the holiday and return it back) but tells it in a new way.

Along with a new version of the song “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” recorded by Tyler, The Creator, as well as a score from prolific composer Danny Elfman, and a great co-directing job by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney, the movie brings to life a fresh take on a story we all know well.  

Our Grade:4/5. It is a heartwarming movie that both children and adults will love equally and I highly recommend that you see it this holiday season.